Northern Beaches Hospital to set up Pfizer hub, as health bosses urge people to get AstraZeneca
Northern Beaches Hospital is planning to open a vaccination hub when new supplies of Pfizer come in. However, health bosses are urging people not to wait and to get AstraZeneca.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Northern Beaches Hospital is hoping to open up a vaccination hub to help get more Covid jabs into people’s arms.
The Frenchs Forest facility is looking to offer the Pfizer vaccine when new supplies arrive.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised a million doses of Pfizer a week will be available across Australia shortly.
However, it is not known how quickly the hub at Frenchs Forest will be set up and whether the extra Pfizer vaccines will be made available to the northern beaches, or most likely prioritised to those in south western Sydney which is battling the spread of the Delta variant.
The beaches has also seen cases rise to 12 in less than two weeks, despite a strict lockdown.
A spokeswoman for Northern Beaches Hospital said it is “willing to participate in the Pfizer vaccination program once supply becomes available”.
A Government source said plans were underway to enable the hospital to provide vaccines.
The medical centre at the hospital is already offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to the over 60s.
Meanwhile, reports on social media suggest Mona Vale Hospital staff are sitting around waiting for people to come into its vaccine hub because no-one wants AstraZeneca, the only vaccine it offers, due to concerns over blood clots.
A spokeswoman from Northern Sydney Local Health District confirmed there were 420 vaccines given at the Mona Vale Hospital clinic in the last seven days, meaning on average just 60 people are coming through the doors a day.
It did not respond to claims staff were waiting for customers.
It follows complaints by residents on social media about not being able to get the vaccine from Mona Vale Hospital.
One, aged 23, said she was turned away and told to go to her GP, while another older woman, was allowed to walk in and get a vaccine.
Others were asking on social media how to get an appointment because it was not allowing them to book via the Eligibility Checker app.
In a previous story the Manly Daily was told by Northern Sydney Local Health District anyone over 60 can book at Mona Vale Hospital via the Eligibility Checker app, while those under 60 have to book by called Healthdirect on 1800 571 155.
On Monday NSLHD said people should not turn up but book an appointment through the Eligibility Checker. However, if they want to move their second dose of AstraZeneca forward they should email NSLHD-COVIDVaccinationEnquiries@health.nsw.gov.au with the following details: Full name, DOB, mobile number, email, date and location of dose one, preferred date/time for dose two.
The process will take three days.
The poor uptake of AstraZeneca was highlighted by Health Minister Brad Hazzard last week, when he revealed that the Sydney Olympic Park vaccination hub gave more than 8000 Pfizer vaccinations, but just 50 AstraZeneca vaccines on Tuesday.
He has vigorously rejected concerns over the vaccine causing clots, saying the chances of dying from Covid are “far, far higher”.
Over the weekend a woman in her 30s, who was otherwise healthy, died from the virus, highlighting the fact that young people are at risk too.
The state government’s messaging on AstraZeneca has continued to change since the recent outbreak, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian now calling on anyone over the age of 18 to get vaccinated, with either Pfizer, if available, or AstraZeneca, which is in plentiful supply.
Mr Hazzard told the Manly Daily on Monday that people should take up the opportunity for AstraZeneca, which is the vaccine he received himself.
“The team of medical/scientific experts who advise the Federal Government have now said anybody 18 or over should consider getting the AstraZeneca,” he said.
“My advice is that everyone on the beaches should get vaccinated with whatever vaccine they can get.
“If we think we are immune from the current Covid outbreak in the south west and western Sydney, we are kidding ourselves.
“Just remember how quickly the virus spread on the beaches back at Christmas and there is only one message … get vaccinated ASAP.
“Younger, older. Vaccinations are critical.”
America’s Cup women gearing up for new fight after shock loss
Shocked Australian sailors hugged and cried when bundled out of the women’s America’s Cup. A quick reset and they were gearing up for a new fight - and another crack at winning the event
Surf star’s special Coolangatta Gold moment ahead of 40th anniversary
She was once dubbed the fittest woman in Australia but there’s no going back to the race that made her famous for surf star Hayley Bateup - not even for a special anniversary.