Vaccine hub glitch books Pfizer for under 50s

Australians aged between 40 to 49 have been booked in Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines in NSW despite no official announcement.

NSW Health COVID-19 vaccine pre-screening questionnaire. Picture: Supplied

When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week announced the official rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for residents aged 40 to 49 would happen “within weeks”, she had not taken into account what appears to be a NSW Health glitch which would shorten it to just one.

Australians aged between 40 to 49 have already begun booking Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at the mass vaccination hub at Olympic Park, despite Ms Berejiklian on Monday announcing vaccinations were only open to a select 16,000.

Questions asked during the booking process.

“When availability arises at NSW Health clinics people aged 40-49 who have registered their interest are contacted and offered appointments, ensuring as many people as possible have access to the vaccine and NSW Health makes maximum use of its available supply,” a statement to The Australian read.

The department declined to specify what criteria were used to contact applicants.

Silos Estate vineyard owner Sophie Ray, 48, was among those invited to make a booking after registering interest in getting the Pfizer vaccine last week.

“It asked for my age, postcode, pre-existing conditions and line of work. I ticked hospitality and within one to two days I received something I could book at Sydney Olympic Park,” she said.

On Wednesday, rumours began to spread on social media that the NSW Health vaccination website had begun accepting bookings. One confirmed booking made that day showed a Sydney resident was scheduled to receive their Pfizer vaccine on Thursday, with their second dose scheduled for June 10.

An invitation to book a Pfizer vaccination sent to a man aged between 40 to 49 asked that he not share the invitation.

Oh, helloooooo! Pre-register, folks. Get it in you. pic.twitter.com/aUt0U9lmK1

— Mark “Two Jabs” Newton (@NewtonMark) May 13, 2021

In the 24 hours to 8pm Tuesday NSW Health administered its highest number of vaccines in a single day reaching a total of 11,720 doses, 5218 of which took place at the mass vaccination centre.

It is not yet clear how many in the age group 40 to 49 have received Pfizer so far.