Wild weather will delay COVID jab on Mid North Coast
The COVID-19 vaccination program on the Mid North Coast will be delayed due to extreme weather.
Coffs Harbour
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The COVID-19 vaccination program on the Mid North Coast will be delayed due to extreme weather.
Vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers kicked off in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday and were scheduled to begin at Port Macquarie Base Hospital this coming Wednesday.
But this will now be delayed as the impact of major flooding in the region continues to be felt.
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The Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) now hopes to start providing the vaccine to staff at the hospital's vaccination hub from Monday, March 29.
MNCLHD Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick said the potential impact of the extreme weather will be temporary and minimal in the context of the overall number of vaccines being delivered as part of the statewide program.
"We are closely monitoring the current weather situation and any potential impact on our health facilities throughout the district, including Coffs Harbour Health Campus which now includes a COVID-19 vaccination hub," Mr Dowrick said.
"Our staff who are scheduled to attend a vaccination appointment at the Coffs Harbour hub in the coming days are being advised to exercise caution and only travel to receive their vaccination if it is safe to do so.
"Anyone who isn't able to attend their appointment due to the current extreme weather situation will be rescheduled."
As record rainfall and strong winds continue across the region, Mr Dowrick thanked staff at local hospitals and community health centres for their tireless efforts to keep the community safe.
"I also want to thank the great many of our team who volunteer with local emergency organisations such as the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service.
"They're out there right now transporting medication to those cut off by floodwaters. They're filling sandbags and providing comfort and care to people at local evacuation centres.
"They never stop caring for their communities," Mr Dowrick said.
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