Tamworth hospital vaccine hub: behind the scenes look at how Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccines are prepared

The Pfizer vaccine in particular requires careful handling once it is thawed from an ice-cold -70 degrees celsius.

If the vial is shaken it could damage the fragile vaccine, which then can't be used on patients.

The behind the scenes look was a timely reminder to residents to help protect the community from the recent Sydney outbreak, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said.

"It's not just a case of drawing up a vial of vaccine and jabbing it in an arm, there's so much more to it than that," he said.

"It's a very delicate balancing act to get each item individually prepared and itemised so it can be traced to each and every person.

"The message coming out of the hospital today was; come and get vaccinated."

Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available at the hospital clinic and residents can use the online eligibility checker to see which is appropriate for them.

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While Tamworth has come out of the pandemic largely unscathed, case numbers continue to grow just hours down the road, highlighting how important it is to be vaccinated, Mr Anderson said.

"People in regional NSW are listening to a lot of different commentary on vaccination so they are holding back a little bit but my firm belief is come forward, step forward, put your hand up and get vaccinated," he said.

"Talk to your GP, talk to your vaccination clinic, we are at risk as much as anywhere else whether it's Greater Sydney or Tamworth, Moree, Wallabadah or Willow Tree of catching COVID so get vaccinated."

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