A mass vaccination centre has been opened just this week by the NSW Government at Sydney Olympic Park with thousands booked to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The centre will focus on providing Pfizer vaccinations to priority groups during the first weeks of its operation. The priority group will include healthcare workers, emergency services workers, quarantine and border workers and their households.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said about 200 registered nurses and midwives will work at the centre.
“Opening a vaccination centre of this scale at Sydney Olympic Park is a massive and unprecedented undertaking, and one I’m very proud of as Health Minister,” Health Minister Hazzard said.
Bookings are required in order for individuals to receive the vaccine. Those aged 40-49 are encouraged to register for the Pfizer vaccine through NSW Health. They then will be contacted when a booking is available.
Individuals aged over 50 can now book for their AstraZeneca vaccination at the centre if they are unable to obtain the vaccination from their GP. They can book their vaccinations through the Vaccine Eligibility Checker.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the mass vaccination centre will operate six days per week from 8 am to 8 pm.
“The mass vaccination centre will be able to administer up to 30,000 vaccines per week once it is up and running, that means around 5000 vaccinations per day,” Premier Berejiklian said. “The centre, combined with the more than 100 NSW Health run clinics and hubs, means NSW Health can administer around 60,000 vaccines each week across the state.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urges everyone in NSW who can be vaccinated to do so.
“Vaccination is very effective at reducing your risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and will also reduce the chance you will pass on the infection to your loved ones,” Chief Health Officer Chant said.