The Belmont mass vaccination hub will now offer the AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and bookings are available from as early as August 28.
The vaccine hub’s two clinics will allow up to 1000 vaccinations with AstraZeneca to be administered each week.
Hunter New England Local Health District COVID-19 response lead Elizabeth Grist said they encouraged all community members to consider getting vaccinated with AstraZeneca.
“AstraZeneca is very effective in preventing severe disease and death due to COVID-19,” Grist said.
“We have also started rebooking and vaccinating all the Pfizer appointments that had been cancelled. Sixty-three per cent have already rebooked their appointments.
“There are enough Pfizer doses for everyone who was cancelled, so we encourage everyone who was cancelled to rebook. All of the available priority spots this week are filled, and we have sufficient booking spaces available from now until 29 August for those who were cancelled. We are expecting more Pfizer to arrive mid-October.”
Grist said the AstraZeneca vaccine was available to anyone 18 years and over but said informed consent was required.
“This means understanding the risks and benefits of vaccination using the latest information and advice that is available on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),” Grist said.
“If you have any concerns or questions about receiving AstraZeneca, please speak with your GP before booking an appointment at the Belmont hub.”
To check eligibility or make a booking for vaccination, visit the Commonwealth Government’s eligibility checker.
Information source: Media release, HNELHD