Over 18’s can now get AstraZeneca vaccine from pharmacies in NSW

Major changes are rolling out for the vaccine program in NSW with adults over the age of 18 now having access to AstraZeneca from chemists and pharmacies across the state.

Adults in NSW over the age of 18 will have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine at any pharmacy from tomorrow in major changes rolling out in a desperate bid to control the outbreak of Covid-19.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced all adults will be able to receive the vaccine without having to consult their GP or a qualified health professional first.

It comes after “increasing” pharmacies in Sydney’s southwest signed up to be involved in the vaccine rollout from Monday.

"Over 18s will be able to access the vaccine in pharmacies, and from Friday, our NSW health hubs will be able to take bookings from people over 18 years of age for the AstraZeneca vaccine," Ms Berejiklian said.

Dr. Adrienne Chan administers an AstraZeneca vaccination. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

"This is positive news in line with the health advice."

NSW recorded a total of 172 new locally transmitted cases on Tuesday from 84,468 tests – the highest daily rise since April 2020.

There are now a total of 2,397 infections linked to the state’s latest outbreak which began on June 16 after a Bondi limo driver who transports international aircrew contracted the virus.

Ms Berejiklian urged Sydneysiders to get vaccinated in the new program, with a total of 3,503,506 doses already administered in NSW.

“My message to everybody is please come forward and get the vaccine,” the premier said.

“Not only are you protecting yourself but you’re protecting those closest to you.”

NSW Health administered 24,859 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday, with the hopes the number will increase as more doses are available to adults over the age of 18 from Wednesday.