All adults in New South Wales will soon be able to get vaccinated at mass hubs around the state in an effort to increase uptake in the face of Sydney's worsening COVID-19 outbreak.
From Friday, adults of any age will be able to book an AstraZeneca vaccine at NSW Health clinics.
The decision comes after advisory group ATAGI recommended all adults in Greater Sydney “strongly consider” taking the AstraZeneca vaccine in response to ongoing community transmission and limited Pfizer supplies.
So, where can you now access the COVID-19 vaccine in New South Wales and the rest of the country?
New South Wales
Until now, adults under the age of 40 were required to contact their GP in order to be able to access the AstraZeneca vaccine.
But from Friday, people aged 18 to 39 will be eligible to book in for the AstraZeneca vaccine at any of the state’s mass vaccination clinics.
Participating pharmacies, including an "increasing" number in western and south-west Sydney, will also offer the vaccine to adults over 18 from Wednesday.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the expansion of NSW's vaccine access on Tuesday as the state recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.
“My message to everybody is please come forward and get the vaccine,” she told reporters.
“Not only are you protecting yourself, but you’re protecting those closest to you.”
Ms Berejiklian has asked people aged under 40 to speak with a GP or pharmacist about receiving AstraZeneca, or visit the state-run hubs.
“We are not awash with all types of vaccines, but I think the incentive now is for people to come forward and protect themselves,” she said.
The state’s larger clinics offer both AstraZeneca and Pfizer, but some smaller clinics only offer Pfizer.
From Wednesday, supermarket workers from Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine regardless of age.
School teachers from Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool are also eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
People aged 40-59 years may also be eligible for Pfizer, but because of limited availability, have been told to consult with their GP, a state-based clinic or participating pharmacist about getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The AstraZeneca vaccine remains the preferred vaccine for people over 60.
Victoria
In Victoria, COVID-19 vaccines are available for individuals aged 40 and over through their
The Pfizer vaccine can be accessed by people under 60 per Commonwealth medical advice, while people over 60 can access the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Victorians under 40 can also access the AstraZeneca vaccine through consultation with their GP.
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory, vaccines are available to people 40 and over through GPs at these locations.
People aged 30-39 can register for a COVID-19 vaccine at a government-run clinic.
South Australia
In South Australia, people over the age of 40 can access vaccines through their GP or a participating vaccine clinic.
All people aged 16 years and over who are living in regional South Australia are also eligible to get vaccinated.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, people over the age of 40 are eligible to access vaccines through their GPs or a participating vaccine clinic.
The government says due to limited supply of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, no further bookings are being taken for those aged 30-39 years until later this year.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, all people over the age of 16 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
NT Health is working to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to remote communities across the territory in partnership with Aboriginal Health Organisations.
Queensland
In Queensland, people aged 40-59 can access the Pfizer vaccine, while those over 60 can access the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The government says due to the limited supply of Pfizer it needs to prioritise vaccination of people who have a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 and for second doses.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, people over 60 can access the AstraZeneca vaccine, while people aged 40-59 are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine from their GP or a participating vaccination clinic.
People younger than 60 can also access the AstraZeneca vaccine through consultation with their GP.
Priority groups
Other priority groups eligible for COVID-19 vaccines include pregnant women, aged care residents and workers, disability care residents and workers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 and over.
The federal government also says 470 community pharmacies will be offering vaccinations across Australia by the end of the month.
Over 3,900 pharmacies have also been asked to participate in the vaccine rollout.
