Fully vaccinated residents will be able to enjoy new freedoms next month, an incentive to get NSW to a 70 per cent vaccination rate and towards the reopening of the state.
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People across NSW who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to meet with others outdoors from September 13, step one in the roadmap towards further freedoms.
"We are so grateful for every person who comes forward to get vaccinated because the more jabs we get into arms, the sooner we can lift restrictions," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
"We appreciate the community's patience in the lead up to September 13, this additional time will allow the recent surge of vaccines to take effect."
As part of the roadmap, the NSW Government said when the state's population was 70 per cent fully vaccinated - those who have received two doses of a vaccine - a range of family, industry, community and economic restrictions would be lifted.
When 80 per cent of the population was vaccinated, this would see the further easing of restrictions on industry, community and the economy.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the roadmap is "our path to freedom" and "our biggest incentive yet to get vaccinated so we can return to a level of normality".
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington was urging anyone in the community aged 18 and over to "get a vaccine as soon as possible: for yourself and for your community".
"There are many local options in Port Stephens to get vaccinated. Dozens of local pharmacies and GPs have AstraZeneca, and some also stock Pfizer. I understand Moderna will be available shortly, as well," she said.
"Please speak with a medical professional if you are concerned about getting vaccinated, or if you are worried about a particular brand of vaccine."
Ms Washington said she shares the community's concerns and frustrations around the availability of vaccines for children and booking Pfizer appointments in Port Stephens.
"I understand advice regarding vaccines for children is likely to change soon so please keep an eye out and ... take advice from your local health professionals," she said
"I share the community's frustrations regarding the ongoing difficulty in booking Pfizer appointments - that is the real-world consequence of the Morrison Government's failure to buy enough Pfizer vaccines. Until the supply of Pfizer is increased, it will remain difficult for many local residents to book a Pfizer appointment."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said two doses of the vaccine not only helps protect people from hospitalisation and death, but also leads to "around a 90 per cent overall reduction in transmission of the virus".
Meanwhile, all healthcare workers in NSW will be required to be fully vaccinated by the end of November.
Mr Hazzard announced on Thursday that health staff must have a first dose of vaccine by September 30 and be fully vaccinated by November 30, or at least have their second appointment booked to continue working.
"It will provide greater protection for patients, visitors and other health staff," Mr Hazzard said. "It will also ease pressure on our health system during this challenging time. More than 1,200 healthcare workers have been in isolation each day over the past seven days and we cannot afford that right now. Vaccinations will help ensure our fantastic staff can continue to care for patients."
- ALSO READ: Vaccination key to new freedoms: Premier
Where in Port Stephens you can book in for a vaccination
Raymond Terrace
- Raymond Terrace Respiratory Clinic, Jacaranda Ave - Pfizer and AstraZeneca - Book by phone 4983 0900 or online rtfp.com.au/page35834/Covid-vaccines-page.aspx
- Terrace Central Surgery - AZ - for existing patients - Book by phone 4987 3255
- Blooms the Chemist, MarketPlace Raymond Terrace - AZ - book online bloomsthechemist.com.au/covid-19-vaccine
- Capital Chemist, William St - AZ - Book by phone 4987 3466 or online capitalchemist.com.au/services.aspx
- Cincotta Discount Chemist, Lakeside Shopping Centre - AZ - Book by phone 4987 5005
- Low Surgery, Mount Hall Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4987 4208 or walk in
- Terry White Chemmart, Terrace Central - AZ - Book online terrywhitechemmart.com.au/.../covid-19-vaccination
Medowie and Williamtown
- Central Health Alliance, Williamtown - AZ - Book by phone 4989 5100 or email covid@centralhealthalliance.com.au
- Health in Abundance Family Practice, Ferodale Rd - AZ - for over 50's only - Book by phone 4981 8800
- Medowie Medical Centre, Waropara Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4981 8002
- Medowie Pharmacy, Ferodale Rd - AZ - Book online medowie-pharmacy.pharmacybookings.com.au
- Priority Health Pharmacy, Ferodale Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4982 9516
Karuah
- Karuah Medical Centre - Pfizer and AZ - Book by phone 4997 5510
- Triple C Health Family Practice, RSL clinic - Pfizer and AZ - Book online triplechealth.com.au/covid-vaccine/
- Karuah Pharmacy, Tarean Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4997 5557
Tanilba Bay and Lemon Tree Passage
- Tilligerry Medical Practice, Tanilba Bay - Pfizer and AZ - Book by phone 4982 4988
- Lemon Tree Passage Pharmacy, Cook Pde - AZ - Book by phone 4982 3636
- Tanilba Bay Medical Centre, President Wilson Walk - AZ - Book by phone 4982 3959
- Terry White Chemmart Tanilba Bay, Lemon Tree Passage Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4982 3130 or online terrywhitechemmart.com.au/.../covid-19-vaccination
Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point
- My Medical Services Port Stephens, Salamander Bay - Pfizer (from mid-Sep) and AZ - Book by phone 4981 1733
- Amcal Pharmacy, Salamander Centre - AZ - book by phone 4982 7644 or online medadvisor.com.au/Network/AmcalPlusSalamanderBay
- Salamander Medical Centre, Central Avenue near Salamander Bay Square - AZ - Book by phone 4981 1722 or online bmg.health/
- Soldiers Point Medical Centre - AZ - Book by phone 4981 1722 or online bmg.health/
Nelson Bay
- Nelson Plaza Clinic, Stockton St - Pfizer and AZ - Book online hotdoc.com.au/.../nelson-plaza-clinic/doctors
- Nelson Bay Discount Drug Store, Donald St - AZ - Book by phone 4981 1237
- Terry White Chemmart Nelson Bay, Stockton St - AZ - Book online chemistnelsonbay.com.au/
- Tomaree Medical Centre, Tomaree Hospital - AZ - for existing patients - Book by phone 4984 0780
Shoal Bay
- Shoal Bay Pharmacy, Shoal Bay Rd - AZ - Book by phone 4981 1247 or online shoal-bay-pharmacy.pharmacybookings.com.au/
For further COVID-19 vaccination information or to book an appointment head to NSW Health's website.
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