MORE than 1,000 General Practices, including those across the Hunter Region will join the COVID-19 vaccination program from this week.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said services supporting the Phase 1B Vaccine Rollout would come online from 22 March.

Phase 1B includes vulnerable groups, such as older people and people with certain underlying medical conditions.

In Tea Gardens, the vaccine will be accessible at Ochre Health Medical Centre Tea Gardens.

Across Port Stephens, the vaccine will be available at Raymond Terrace Respiratory Clinic, Stockton Surgery, Soldiers Point Medical Centre, Salamander Medical Centre, Tilligerry Medical Practice and Central Health Alliance in Williamtown.

“We all know the invaluable work our local GP’s do for our community, now we will see them play a vital role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout,” said Mr Gillespie.

“Across the Hunter this includes general practices in Williamtown, Lorn, Thornton, Rutherford, Swansea, Charlestown, Abermain, Salamander Bay and Cardiff to name a few,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Phase 1B of the rollout will see 1,000 GP’s across Australia delivering COVID-19 vaccines for our elderly and immunocompromised, progressively increasing in number to more than 4,000 by the end of April,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Australians eligible for Phase 1B will be able to find a vaccination provider through the new national vaccination information and location service, at the Department of Health website.”

“This will enable people to locate their nearest general practice providing vaccinations and link through to their online booking system or phone number to make the appointment.”

“Vaccines are the game changer in our fight against the COVID-19 virus and I urge everyone in Australia to come forward and get vaccinated when they are able to.

“It will protect themselves, their family, and their community.”

In making the announcement, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP, said the rollout would continue to grow in the coming weeks.

“This staged scale up will align with the supply of the locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine, and as more vaccine becomes available more services will come online,” Minister Hunt said.

“General practices will play a major role in ensuring all Australians who seek to be vaccinated have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.”

“We are committed to making sure that every Australian that wants a vaccine will be able to be vaccinated,” Minister Hunt said.