AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in some NSW pharmacies from today

Pharmacists can administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over the age of 40 in New South Wales from today.

Dozens of chemists across NSW are part of the pilot program to assist GPs and purpose-built vaccination hubs administer the shots.

They are located across Sydney, plus in regional towns, including Gulgong, Narromine, Walcha, Dungog, Dunedoo and Merriwa.

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Who can get the AstraZeneca vaccine at pharmacies?

Only people aged 40 and over can currently get the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine at the chemist in NSW.

If you are under 40, you can speak to a GP about getting the shot.

Last week the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended that adults in Greater Sydney should "strongly consider" getting any available vaccine.

Today the state's Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said younger people will soon be able to walk into a hub and get the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"There is a massive strategy and can I acknowledge my colleagues who have been working so hard over the weekend with their local health districts and community partners to identify sites that may be appropriate for walk-in visits," Dr Chant said.

"What are the most vulnerable communities? Which groups in the communities don't have access to the vaccine? And how can we make it easier to get vaccinated?

"That work has been going on day and night over the weekend and there will be some announcements tomorrow."

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Participating AstraZeneca pharmacies

There are dozens of chemists which are part of the initial rollout.

Hundreds more all across Sydney and NSW have signed up to express their interest in being part of the program.

The full list of participating stores is available on the NSW Health website.

Across Australia, more than 100 pharmacies are already administering vaccines with more set to come on board.

READ MORE: Sydney adults should strongly consider any COVID vaccine, says ATAGI

What do the pharmacies have to do?

The community pharmacies need to meet the below criteria:

• Must not supply or administer the vaccine to a person who is under the age of 40, or a patient with a contraindication or precaution to vaccination;
• Written consent from a patient;
• Mandatory training for vaccinators;
• Recording of each vaccination; and
• Conduct vaccinations under approved practice standards.

You can find out more details about how to book your vaccine through the Federal Government health site here.