AstraZeneca Vaccine Available From Belmont Hub From August 10

BY IAN CROUCH

The Belmont Mass Vaccination Centre will begin delivering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from next Tuesday.

It comes after doses of the Pfizer vaccine were redirected to Sydney.

Hunter New England Health says AstraZeneca is available to anyone 18 years and over with informed consent - meaning you understand the risks and benefits.

If you're not sure or have concerns, speak to your GP.

You can book an AZ shot through the Federal Government's eligibility website from today (Wednesday 4 August, 2021).

Go to: www.covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be available
 from the Belmont Hub from next Tuesday 10 August, 2021

Woman's Death "Likely Linked" to AstraZeneca Vaccine

 BY IAN CROUCH

An autopsy is expected to begin today on the body of a woman who died in the John Hunter Hospital from blood clots after receiving the AstaZeneca COVID vaccine.

48-year-old Genene Norris was admitted to hospital 4 days after receiving the shot and died last week - she received the vaccine on 8 April, just hours before the government announced the Pfizer vaccine was preferred for people under 50 years old.

Ms Norris's family has expressed its profound shock and sorrow over her death.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration says it's investigation group has concluded the death is likely linked to the vaccination and has extended its condolences to the woman's family.

The TGA says if further test results and /or the autopsy provide an alternative cause of death, the investigation group with review its decision.

Genene Norris

The 33 Hunter GP's Rolling Out the AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine from Monday

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Eligible Hunter residents can now make a booking to receive their AstraZeneca COVID shot, with the roll out at Hunter GP clinics starting on Monday. 

33 medical providers are currently signed up to administer the vaccine across the region from March 22, under Phase 1B of the roll out. 

Phase 1B includes people aged 70 or older, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 or older, critical or high risk workers, other healthcare workers not included in the previous phase, and adults with certain medical conditions.

More than 6 million Australians are expected to receive at least one dose in this phase.

People hoping to get the jab will have to check they fit the bill via an online eligibility checker before making an appointment.

You can find the participating GPs closest to you in the table below.

Brunker Road General Practice	Adamstown	2289
Ochre Health Medical Centre Bonnells Bay	Bonnells Bay	2264
Broadmeadow Medical Centre	Broadmeadow	2292
University Health Service	Callaghan	2308
Appletree Family Practice	Charlestown	2290
Charlestown Medical & Dental Centre	Charlestown	2290
Charlestown Square Medical Centre	Charlestown	2290
Smith St Medical Centre	Charlestown	2290
Elermore Vale General Practice	Elermore Vale	2287
Jewells Medical Centre	Jewells	2280
Community Healthcare Kurri Kurri	Kurri Kurri	2327
Family Medical Centre	Kurri Kurri	2327
Hamilton Doctors	Hamilton	2303
Mount Hutton Medical Practice	Mount Hutton	2290
Blackbutt Doctors Surgery	New Lambton	2305
Westlakes Medical Centre	Rathmines	2283
Rutherford Family Medical Practice	Rutherford	2320
Rutherford Medical Centre	Rutherford	2320
Salamander Medical Centre	Salamander Bay	2320
Soldiers Point Medical Centre	Salamander Bay	2317
Scone Medical Practice	Scone	2337
Singleton Heights Medical Practice	Singleton Heights	2330
Stockton Surgery	Stockton	2295
Swansea Medical Centre	Swansea	2281
Tilligerry Medical Centre	Tanilba Bay	2319
Ochre Health Medical Centre Tea Gardens	Tea Gardens	2324
Providence Medical Thornton	Thornton	2322
The Boulevarde Family Practice	Toronto	2283
Toronto Doctors	Toronto	2283
Valentine Family Medical Practice	Valentine	2280
Andrew Nash Clinic	Wallsend	2287
Providence Medical Warners Bay	Warners Bay	2282
Central Health Alliance	Williamtown	2318

FAQ

Where do I go and how do I book in?

Go to Department of Health website. Using the Eligibility Checker, you can find out which phase of the rollout you are in. If you are eligible, you will be able to view vaccination clinics and book an appointment online or via phone. If you are not yet eligible, you will be able to register your interest so that you can be notified when you are able to book.

If you prefer not to use the online option, you can call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.

 Will I be able to choose where I can book?

You will be able to view and select clinic locations based on the postcode you enter.

 What happens if there are no clinics or appointments in my area?

A list of Commonwealth vaccination clinics, participating General Practices, and state and territory vaccination clinics will be made available as they come online.  

Do I have to use the Eligibility Checker in order to book?

The checker is a helpful tool to help you find out if you are currently eligible to book.

The checker will guide you through to a simple way to find and book vaccine appointments, or help you register to be notified if you are part of a later phase. If you prefer to book appointments directly at a participating general practice or Commonwealth state vaccination clinic, you can contact them directly to do so.