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NSW Health redirects Covid-19 vaccines to Greater Sydney

A NSW Health spokesperson has confirmed while Pfizer vaccines from across the state are redirected to Greater Sydney to support Year 12 students returning to face-to-face learning for their HSC, people in other regions could receive a notice advising their first dose of the vaccine will be rescheduled.

In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the spokesperson said NSW Health is “taking this important temporary measure” to give Australians the best chance of containing the current outbreak in Greater Sydney as quickly as possible.

“Anyone who has had their first dose already or those in priority groups 1a or 1b will not have their bookings rescheduled,” they said.

The spokesperson also confirmed GPs will 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 while 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 AstraZeneca.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

“NSW Health apologises for the inconvenience and thanks everyone for their patience.

“As people are contacted, they will be provided with information about the rescheduling of their bookings.”