This week, registered pharmacies on the South Coast began administering AstraZeneca vaccines, with people aged 18-years and over encouraged to call and book their appointment.
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It came after the NSW government announced the Covid-19 pharmacy vaccination pilot program which includes 22 pharmacies across regional and rural NSW, with more to be added.
Premier Berejiklian said pharmacists could undertake the consent process checklist to help people who wanted to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"Some pharmacists might think it's easier to divert people through their GPs, but most pharmacists I know are actually undertaking that consent process on premises," she said.
"The GPs are traditionally where we ask younger people in particular to go and get advice from if they want the AstraZeneca and they're worried about it, but pharmacists can go through that consent process as well."
In the Shoalhaven, nine pharmacies have begun or are about to start administering the AstraZeneca vaccine:
- Atli Country Pharmacy
- Blooms the Chemist Junction Street
- Blooms the Chemist Nowra Mall
- Blooms the Chemist Kiama
- Capital Chemist Huskisson
- Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse
- Kiama Pharmacy
- North Nowra Pharmacy
- Ramsay Pharmacy
- Priceline Pharmacy Ulladulla
In the Eurobodalla, there are currently two pharmacies administering the AstraZeneca vaccine, with more expected to be added in the coming weeks:
- Surf Beach Pharmacy
- Broulee Beach Pharmacy
The Find-a-Pharmacy website will be updated as new locations sign up to the program.
Surf Beach Pharmacy started administering COVID vaccines on Monday and a spokesperson said it had been "crazy busy".
"We've had lots of people calling to book in which has been great to see," she said.
Indigenous residents are encouraged to book in for a vaccine at Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service in Batemans Bay or Narooma.
Katungul is offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to patients over-60 years old and the Pfizer from 12- 60-years old at our Batemans Bay, Narooma clinics and Bega to come shortly.
A Katungul spokesperson said they were encouraged by the vaccination rates in the community so far.
We've not been affected by any issues, with an appropriate supply for community," they said.
"Our focus is to ensure community members come forward if they've got concerns about the vaccine, make an appointment with a GP and make sure they have the correct information to make an informed decision."
Book in via the cost-free number 1800 804 201.