Tamworth COVID-19 vaccine rollout: local confusion about 40-49 age category for Pfizer jab at hospital cleared up by HNEH

Members of the general public in that age bracket can register their interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccination, but bookings are currently reserved for those in priority groups, according to a spokesperson from Hunter New England Health (HNEH).

The spokesperson said Tamworth locals between the ages of 40 and 49 that don't have "co-morbidities" or specific jobs can register their interest only, and there is no timeframe for when those bookings might become available.

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The Leader reached out to HNEH after community members publicly stated they had registered their interest on the first day of openings on May 24 and raised concerns they had not heard of any availabilities yet.

The HNEH spokesperson clarified the booking times currently available are reserved for "eligible" groups, which does not include just anyone between the ages of 40 and 49.

The initial statement from NSW Health last month said: "The NSW Government is accelerating the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine with 25 Pfizer sites across the state now taking bookings for people aged 40 to 49."

Tamworth hospital was listed as one of those 25.

The HNEH spokesperson said the local hospital is rolling out the vaccine in line with advice from NSW Health.

"We want to reassure everyone that when there's appointments available they will be contacted, and we have not forgotten about people," the spokesperson said.

Check your personal circumstances at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

People between 40 and 49 can register interest for a vaccine at https://www.nsw.gov.au/.

Anyone that has registered their interest should keep an eye on their emails for updates.

Anyone aged over 50 can book in for an AstraZeneca shot at the hospital.

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