After months of pushing for involvement in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the time has finally come for Leeton and MIA pharmacists.
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Over the course of August, at least one pharmacy in Leeton and six in Griffith will begin administering the Astra Zeneca vaccine to local residents.
Sean Dodd, a pharmacist at John Dodd Pharmacy in Griffith, says the involvement of the businesses has taken a while but will hopefully accelerate the national vaccination rate.
"It's been a long time coming but we're keen to finally be on board," Mr Dodd said.
"Hopefully with pharmacies being involved nationally we'll be able to speed up the process of getting Australians vaccinated."
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John Dodd Pharmacy is set to begin administering the vaccine to residents on Thursday and Mr Dodd said there has already been a decent amount of bookings.
"The interest has been quite good," he said. "People have been quite accepting of us wanting to be involved and I think people are keen to have that extra access."
"Especially in some of the darker times, like with the lockdown right now, it is a good feeling to be a part of that process creating a light at the end of the tunnel."
The pharmacies are currently only administering the Astra Zeneca vaccine however they could receive doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines further down the line.
Nathan Sergi, the owner of the Bush Chemists in Griffith and Leeton said he hoped the pharmacies getting involved would help reduce vaccine hesitancy from some members of the community.
"The pharmacists will be there to answer any questions anyone might have about the vaccine and to discuss what is appropriate for them," Mr Sergi said.
"It's great that we can assist with the whole rollout and help speed up the process and reduce demand."
The Leeton Bush Chemist has already begun adiministering the vaccine to local residents.
Leeton Discount Chemist and Amcal Pharmacy are still waiting on confirmation on when and if they will get involved.
In Griffith, Blooms the Chemist and Pat Zirilli Amcal Chemist began administering the jabs on Monday and Tuesday respectively and John Dodd Pharmacy will begin on Thursday.
The Griffith Bush Chemist, Priceline Pharmacy and East Griffith Pharmacy will all begin in the coming weeks.
Booking to receive a jab at the pharmacies can be done either online through the business' website or by calling the store.
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