PHARMACIES in the region are among the first in the state to be able to administer the crucial COVID-19 vaccine.
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Uralla, Guyra and Walcha pharmacies have been given approval to give the AstraZeneca jab from mid-July as part of a pilot program to boost the vaccine rollout.
The regional towns were part of 22 chosen for people 60 and older in places where access to a GP or vaccine clinic is limited due to geography.
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It's a vital step to make sure as many people in NSW get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
"We know that some of these communities have limited local access to general practitioner services, and having these pharmacies involved will assist with the phased rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to these communities," she said.
Community pharmacies can only give the vaccine to people older than 60 and must have the written consent of a patient.
Anyone with a contraindication or precaution to vaccination cannot be vaccinated at the pharmacies.
It's expected more pharmacies will join the program in the future as the state government tries to raise the number of vaccinations amid the current COVID-19 outbreak.
There's a significant demand for vaccination bookings and the new pathway will make it easier of people to get the jab, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
"I want to reassure the community that everyone in NSW who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated as soon as possible when it's their turn," he said.
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