The latest on vaccine cancellations
31st July 2021
UPDATE ON VACCINE CANCELLATIONS
The rollout of Covid vaccinations has been absolutely disgraceful, and today it got worse.
Following my earlier post, I've just received the following statement from NSW Health. I understand that about 5500 appointments at the Belmont hub are being cancelled to accommodate the redistribution of vaccines to Sydney. Just days ago we were assured by NSW Health and the government that existing bookings would not be affected, and then they go and cancel 5500 of them!
I've already been contacted by hundreds of angry locals - some are frontline workers, some are aged care workers, some have cancer and are immune compromised. What an absolute joke.
Sure, we'll do our bit to help put the fire out in Sydney, but don't tell us existing bookings will be unaffected and then cancel 5500 of them, Minister!
I’ve been in touch with the Health Minister and the head of HNE Health, stated our case, and I expect to hear more in coming days, particularly in relation to vaccinations for 1a and 1b workers and those with existing health conditions.
The full statement is below.
Please, I know everyone is angry, but let's not eat each other in the comments. Could I also ask everyone to lay off abusing Hunter Health staff. Hunter Health is not responsible for today's cull or the text messages sent out by the Ministry. Thanks.
MESSAGE FROM NSW HEALTH
IMPORTANT: Change to Pfizer clinics
As announced by the NSW Government, up to 40,000 Pfizer doses are being redistributed from NSW Health’s rural and regional supply to south west and western Sydney, to help vaccinate Year 12 students in the LGAs most affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Some Pfizer supplies from hubs across our District will be redirected as part of this effort to help stop further spread in Sydney.
Unfortunately this does mean many bookings for the first dose will need to be rescheduled when more vaccine supplies become available. Those who have had a first Pfizer dose will receive their scheduled second dose.
Those in priority groups 1A and 1B, such as healthcare or aged care workers will also be unaffected.
Those with bookings that need to be rescheduled have been notified today via text or email. They will also be provided with a code in the next few days, to ensure that they can get priority when more Pfizer appointments are released. They will then need to rebook their Pfizer vaccination via the Australian Government eligibility checker when more supplies become available.
There is also the option of booking to receive AstraZeneca if they would like to be vaccinated sooner.
Some GPs continue to supply Pfizer vaccinations in regional NSW, and their supplies from the Federal Government are unaffected by this reallocation. AstraZeneca remains available from GPs, NSW Health clinics and a growing number of pharmacies.
All of our vaccine hubs across the District provide AstraZeneca, except for Belmont where it will become available in the coming weeks.
People can check to see if they are eligible to receive a vaccine and if eligible, book an appointment at a clinic via the Australian Government eligibility checker.
We ask that you be kind to our staff on the ground who are working very hard during this pandemic to protect our local communities. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this time.
If anyone affected has any questions or would like to discuss their options further, we encourage them to call the NSW Health Vaccination Clinics Booking Support Service on 1800 571 155.