Tamworth COVID-19 vaccine rollout: authorities urge locals not to 'panic' and avoid calling vaccination centres for information

Vials of the vaccine are set to arrive at some Tamworth GP clinics from March 22, but the man in charge of the local Primary Health Network (PHN) has asked people not to call clinics with questions.

"Practices are busy getting ready for the rollout and also seeing their normal patients, so it will not be helpful for people to ring," PHN executive director John Baillie said.

"The important message is not to panic and not to rush practices, take some time to look at your eligibility and have a look at the criteria."

The government has created an online tracker so people can find out under what phase they will get the jab. It can be accessed at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/.

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Mr Baillie said the tracker would be updated in the coming days with information about the user's closest practice giving COVID-19 vaccinations.

He said a phone hotline would be set up for enquiries, but also recommended older people, or those without access to the internet, get a family member or friend to help them.

"We have heard that practices have started to be contacted and ... we understand people are keen and that's fantastic and we appreciate it, but please hold off a little bit longer while we get systems in place and the vaccines in the clinics," Mr Baillie said.

Northwest Health is expected to be among the first in the area to start stocking the vaccine from March 22.

Northwest Health GP Dr Ian Kamerman said vaccination centres needed to be "focused" on delivering the jabs.

"The message is do not ring vaccination centres ... it doesn't mean don't ask questions, we just don't want to be flooded with calls," he said.

"We're trying to immunise as many people as possible."

Dr Kamerman said people could also seek advice from their regular GP.

When doses start arriving in the coming weeks, it will be for Phase 1B patients.

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