After many no-shows last week, the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived in Armidale.
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Armidale Medical Centre, UNE Medical Centre and West Armidale Medical Centre all received the first vaccine batch this morning.
The Express understands that the three Armidale clinics were promised a delivery last Wednesday, and when that failed to show up, they were told Friday.
When Friday didn't happen, they were told Saturday. However, none of the clinics are open on Saturday, so delivery turned into a Monday delivery that didn't eventuate. Then finally, this morning, a Linfox car arrived to deliver the much-anticipated ampules.
No definitive explanation has been given so far for the delay, although this morning's delivery driver told one clinic he 'couldn't get through' yesterday.
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West Armidale Medical Centre owner, Dr Terry Bohlsen, said they had to cancel all the COVID-19 vaccination appointments they had until the vaccine arrived.
"We planned on starting yesterday, but all those people had to be put off, and we haven't rescheduled as we didn't trust that we would get it.
"Now it has arrived, we will start to vaccinate in the next few days."
The vaccine is in ampules containing 8 does each, and Dr Bohlsen said his clinic received 10 ampules which need to be kept in a vaccine fridge.
"That's normal for us - it is no different to flu vaccines, but because it is in multidose vials, once you open the vial, you need to use it fairly quickly; you don't want to do half today and half tomorrow," Dr Bohlsen said.
"We want to use it all in one hit - so that will mean 10 sessions of 8 people each during the week."
Phase 1B of the COVID-19 rollout began on Monday for the general population and includes; elderly people over 70 years of age; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 55; health workers; people with disability; and people with specific medical conditions.
"We have decided to prioritize our over 80s and higher priority people to start with because we only have a limited amount of the vaccine," Dr Bohlsen said.
"This is imported Astra Zeneca vaccine, and we are supposed to get the Australian product next week which will come in the 10 dose ampule size.
"That means that from next week we will receive 100 doses of Australian Astra Zeneca every week."
Dr Bohlsen said no one in Armidale could give the Pfizer vaccine as it has to be kept at minus 70 degrees.
"Only the 1A types through the hospital system will get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine," he said.
"Everyone else getting vaccinated through clinics will receive Astra Zeneca."
Minister for Regional Health and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered across the country over the weekend and are continuing this week.
"The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is one of the largest logistical exercises ever undertaken in this country," Mr Coulton said.
"Extreme weather conditions in many parts of NSW will result in some communities receiving their first vaccines a little later than expected.
"The Government is working with the NSW Government and global logistics experts to ensure this delay is minimised.
"We ask for the public's patience and understanding with these unforeseen supply delays."
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While more than 1,000 general practises and 100 GP-led respiratory clinics will deliver vaccines this week, the rollout will expand over coming weeks to more than 4,000 sites across the country as domestic vaccine production increases.
"As the rollout continues to develop, I encourage people to be patient," Mr Coulton said.
"There will be ample opportunity for all Australians to be vaccinated this year.
"When it is your time, I encourage you to take the opportunity to be vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and your community."
To find out if you are eligible for Phase 1B, visit Australia.gov.au and follow the Eligibility Checker or call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.
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