Covid Pfizer jabs now available for 16 to 39 in Sydney Local Health District

Authorities have revealed why tens of thousands of inner city residents under 40 suddenly became eligible for priority Pfizer appointments this week. FIND OUT HOW TO BOOK.

UPDATE @ August 26

Sydney Local Health District has explained why thousands of priority Pfizer appointments have been made available to under 40s this week.

In a Facebook post, SLHD said there are serious concerns held for the densely populated area.

“Covid-19 case numbers have doubled in the Sydney Local Health District in the past week,” the post reads.

“The catchment covers south-western Sydney and the inner west and parts of inner-Sydney.

“It is one of the most densely populated communities in the country. It includes large social housing estates and the majority of people live in apartment blocks.

“NSW Health is concerned that people in this catchment are at significant risk if they are unvaccinated.”

The priority appointments have been given due to concerns about the densely populated suburbs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Same day appointments continue to be available at Bicentennial Park, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sydney Olympic Park for residents who meet the age and address criteria.

Lines at RPA this week have been lengthy but swiftly moving with young people very enthusiatic to take up the opportunity for a prioirity appointment.

UPDATE @ August 25

The race to nab a jab appointment continues amid confusion as NSW races towards the August 30 date when all Australians aged 16-39 will be eligible for Pfizer.

Residents under 40 living in Sydney Local Health District are still able to book Pfizer appointments every day this week at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sydney Olympic Park after the SLHD website was quietly updated on Monday night.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - AUGUST 8, 2021. Pharmacist Michael Thorp draws from a vial of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine the at the Carina Day and Night pharmacy in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“Prioirty Appointments: If you are aged 16-39 and live in the local government areas of Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield or Penrith,” the website reads.

“You are also eligible if you live in the Sydney Local Health District.”

SLHD have not publicly confirmed the change in eligibility but the Wentworth Courier can confirm under 40s who live in the district but not in areas of concern who booked on Monday night have already been vaccinated with Pfizer.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian told Triple M today that anyone aged 16 to 39 can book now.

However the notoriously slow to update nsw.gov.au site is still telling under 40s who use the eligibility tracker and express a preference for Pfizer that it is not yet their turn in the rollout.

“We are now calling on everyone between the age of 16 and 39 to come forward and book to get your vaccine through nsw.gov.au, we want to make very clear if you come through the NSW Health website in those 12 local government areas of concern you will be guaranteed priority to get your jab in the next few days,” Ms Berejikilian told Triple M.

EARLIER

Sydney Local Health District has opened up Pfizer appointments to anyone in the area aged 16 to 39.

Previously only younger residents living in an area of concern could book an appointment but as of last night, that has since been extended to anyone living in the sprawling Sydney Local Health District.

The area spans from Redfern up to Darling Harbour and west to Concord and includes dozens of previously ineligible suburbs.

Appointments are available at Camperdown’s Royal Prince Alfred clinic from today.

Check your suburb’s eligibility HERE

Book your appointment HERE