At the beginning of August, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian set a goal for the state to reach six million COVID-19 vaccines, to begin a pathway out of the now state-wide lockdown.
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For some on the South Coast, particularly young people, the booking process has not been easy, with many turning to booking links sent by nursing friends or trying to snag an appointment on Hot Doc.
For people who don't have a regular GP, the whole process may just be put in the "too hard" basket.
So, how difficult is it to get a COVID-19 vaccine on the South Coast? We asked our colleagues:
Nowra journalist Grace Crivellaro, 24
I tried for a couple of months to book in for a vaccine. With the health advice changing from week to week, I initially tried to book in for a Pfizer vaccine, as the AstraZeneca was not recommended to those under 60.
However, as the COVID-19 outbreak continued to spread through the state and into the regions and as the days I hadn't seen my friends or family continued on, I decided to hunt down an AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as the Prime Minister Scott Morrison said anyone over-16 could use that option.
Practices in the area were still turning away those under-60 for that vaccine, however I had done my research, read countless articles from trusted sources and sought advice from medical professionals and knew it was a safe one for me.
I had no luck on Hot Doc as I was still ineligible for Pfizer and many practices weren't accepting appointments via that website for AstraZeneca without a consultation. I was desperate to do my bit for the community so I cold-called a few practices and got in within a week at the North Nowra Medical Centre.
I had a chat about the AstraZeneca with my doctor and within an hour (the line was long, which was fantastic to see) I was vaccinated! What an emotional day.
As I write this, I cannot stop smiling. I feel one step closer to seeing my friends and family, and feel much better knowing I am protecting those who are vulnerable in the community.
Nowra journalist (currently based in Sydney) Liam Cormican, 25
My journey in getting a vaccine has been a little different than most. I fell into category 1b as I have Ulcerative Colitis - meaning I was eligible to receive two out of the 2 million doses of vaccine allocated to younger adults with an underlying medical condition.
When the phase 1b rollout announcement was made in March this year, COVID was not circulating in the community and COVID-19 restrictions were being relaxed.
So, whether due to a feeling I could get the vaccine later, or sheer laziness, I did not book a vaccine as soon as they were made available to me.
Instead I chose to wait, opting to get my shots when my age group would become eligible in phase 2b.
But the Bondi cluster threw a spanner in my plans - or my lack thereof.
In June, I hastefully booked into the Homebush vaccination hub and was made to wait two months to get my vaccine (don't worry I share the blame in having to wait with Scomo).
In a way it worked out for the best because I was given Pfizer as AstraZeneca was not recommended for my age category at that time.
My experience actually getting the vaccine was straightforward. The Homebush vaccination hub is very well organised and even though the lines were long due to the most recent outbreak, it was all worth it for that piece of mind.
Ulladulla journalist
With a few minutes spare, I thought I'd quickly jump on to HotDoc and book in for the Pfizer vaccination. My toddlers were busy with a never-ending stream of snacks and no-one was crying. It was a rare and beautiful moment but it quickly ended in a maze of confusion and exasperated sighs as my search to book a vaccination went nowhere fast.
With the birth of my third child fast approaching I'm very keen to get vaccinated as soon as possible but it certainly wasn't a simple process. Time after time I ran into 'not available' messages on HotDoc or booked appointments were cancelled 24 hours later by individual clinics due to my age.
Fortunately, I was finally able to get an appointment next month after connecting with a doctor's clinic over the phone. Our health staff have been absolutely wonderful and I'm so very appreciative of their efforts but in my experience, the HotDoc system doesn't appear to be the straightforward 'click and collect' route to a vaccination we often hear of.
I will be getting my second dose on Friday.
Batemans Bay journalist Maeve Bannister, 25
Like Grace, I initially tried to book a Pfizer vaccine but kept getting knocked back in the booking stage. I wasn't too concerned because a few months ago an outbreak seemed like a far away nightmare. Little did we all know an outbreak would become a reality.
When I found out people under-60 could get AstraZeneca I decided to try book in. But, as I'm new to the area I don't have a "regular GP" and was not able to get onto anyone's books to have the consultation.
But this week, the pharmacy roll out in regional NSW began. While interviewing a pharmacist at Broulee Beach Pharmacy for the story I asked if people my age were able to make a booking.
"Of course, you can come in tomorrow afternoon if you like!," she said.
Although a little nervous beforehand - I'm not a huge fan of needles - when I arrived at the pharmacy today I instantly felt calm. Everyone was so friendly and relaxed, and the pharmacist went through the consent checklist and answered all my questions.
While waiting the 15 minutes after my vaccine it was great to see an elderly couple coming in for their second dose. The pharmacist told me the little Broulee Pharmacy had never been busier.
The state-wide situation is very scary and it can feel like there's nothing we can do, but there is. We can all make a booking to get vaccinated as soon as possible. I already feel like I'm one step closer to getting back to "normal", travelling again, and seeing my friends and family interstate and overseas.
Where can I get a vaccine?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for people aged 16- to 59-years, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, but the AstraZeneca vaccine can also be provided to 18- to 59-year-olds.
The Federal Government vaccine eligibility checker can help you find out where to book an appointment.
HotDoc can help you find an appointment available in a location near you.
The Find-a-Pharmacy website can help you find a pharmacy near you administering COVID-19 vaccines. The website will be updated as new pharmacy locations register for the program.