Conflicting advice about the rollout of the Pfizer jab in regional areas causing confusion

While NSW Health has told regional residents over 40 they need get the Pfizer vaccination, Health Minister Brad Hazzard concedes the delay in accessing the Pfizer vaccine has been caused by a “significant demand”.

People arriving for their COVID-19 vaccination at the Sydney Olympic Park NSW Health vaccination centre on June 9, 2021. Yesterday the lines for Pfizer were around 5,000 but AstraZeneca was only about 160. People over 50 are find ways around it to get the Pfizer vaccination. Picture: Jonathan Ng

There appears to be confusion between different levels of government when it comes to regional residents over the age of 40 years accessing the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination.

While NSW Health is encouraging people over 40 years to book in for the jab, they are also admitting to “significant” delays.

But not if you live in a capital city.

One of our journalists used the NSW Health Vaccine Eligibility Checker, put in Sydney as the area to make a booking for the Pfizer jab, and a number of clinics came up offering same-day appointments.

But for people in regional areas, it’s a difference and confusing story, with the federal and state government health agencies giving conflicting information about Pfizer availability. According to an email signed by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, and sent to a Northern Rivers’ resident on June 10, there was a: significant demand for bookings so your patience is appreciated”.

But Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne Jones, said the Pfizer vaccine was available if people met the selection criteria.

“At present, the Pfizer vaccination is available at the Lismore Base Hospital vaccination clinic for eligible people,” he said.

“It is important to note that not everyone’s eligibility is based on their occupation or age

alone.”

According to Healthy North Coast (HNC), commonwealth vaccination clinics, Aboriginal medical services and general practices on the North Coast don’t have the Pfizer vaccine yet.

HNC executive director, Wellness, Monika Wheeler, said HNC was expecting general practices to begin getting the Pfizer vaccine from next month.

Ms Wheeler said the NSW Health-run hospital and pop-up vaccination clinics had the Pfizer vaccine available for eligible people.

Those aged 40-49 should use the online vaccine eligibility checker for further details about making a booking.

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