First dose Pfizer jabs rescheduled as vaccines head to Sydney

As part of its pandemic response, NSW Health says it is taking an important temporary measure to also provide the state the best chance of containing the current outbreak in Greater Sydney as quickly as possible.

As a result, people in other regions including the Mid North Coast could receive a notice advising their first dose of Pfizer will be rescheduled.

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"Anyone who has had their first dose already or those in priority groups 1a or 1b will not have their bookings rescheduled," a NSW Health spokesperson said.

GPs continue to supply Pfizer vaccinations in regional NSW, and their supplies from the federal government are unaffected by this reallocation.

AstraZeneca also remains available from GPs, NSW Health clinics and a growing number of pharmacies.

The NSW government has asked the federal government to facilitate more pharmacies in regional and rural areas delivering the COVID-19 vaccines.

"Public health advice, based on the latest information from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), now recommends that all individuals aged 18 years and over in NSW, including adults under 60 years of age, should consider getting vaccinated with any available vaccine, including COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca," the NSW Health spokesperson said.

"NSW Health has also authorised pharmacists to offer AstraZeneca vaccination to anyone aged 18 years or over without precautions or contraindications who has had the opportunity for a discussion in relation to the risks and benefits of vaccination, and has provided fully informed consent.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. As people are contacted they will be provided with information about the rescheduling of their bookings."

So far, nearly 171,000 vaccine doses have been administered since the program began. Of those, 77 per cent are AstraZeneca and 23 per cent are Pfizer.

In the past week, a record 12,330 doses have been administered. The number of doses given per week has increased each week over the past month.

You can check for available GP appointments, via the Australian Government eligibility checker.

The Vaccine Eligibility Checker is still the best way to find out where and when you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It will help you find a clinic, based on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) vaccine recommendations.

The Department of Health website has comprehensive, up-to-date information about who can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine or the Pfizer vaccine.

Use the Vaccine Eligibility Checker to find out when you can receive a vaccine. If you are eligible, you will be able to view vaccination locations and book an appointment.

If you are not yet eligible, you will be able to register your interest so that you can be notified when you are able to book.

People aged 18 to 39 years old can speak to their GP about receiving an AstraZeneca vaccine or book an appointment at a NSW Health vaccination clinic.

NSW Health is running vaccination clinics at local hospitals, as well as operating a number of pop-up clinics throughout the region.

A small number of pharmacies in the region will also begin providing AstraZeneca vaccinations for people aged over 60 in the near future.

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