Dubbo residents are being encouraged to plot the timing of their flu and AstraZeneca jabs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Flu vaccines have arrived in Dubbo where the 1a and 1b phases of the rollout of the COVID vaccine AstraZeneca began on Monday.
The flu jab and the AstraZeneca jab must be separated by 14 days.
Two AstraZeca jabs are required, usually three months apart.
On Friday, Delroy TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy partner Tony Lawler offered advice on getting the three jabs after being approached by the Daily Liberal.
The pharmacist said people who were not eligible for the AstraZeneca jab until phases 2a, 2b and 3 of the rollout might want to get their flu jab soon.
"It makes sense for them to have their flu vaccine a bit early so they can get that out of the way and then they have their first COVID vaccination, as long as they are 14 days apart," he said.
Mr Lawler advised people eligible for the AstraZeneca jab under phases 1a and 1b of the rollout to "probably do that now".
He said they could have the flu shot in between the first and second AstraZeneca jabs, taking into account the 14-day wait.
"The 14 days makes sure you can monitor any side effects from them and clearly identify what it is due to," the pharmacist said.
Mr Lawler said the timing of the vaccinations depended on "people's individual circumstances".
He said patient feedback revealed understanding of the importance of getting the three vaccinations.
Selected pharmacies may be part of the rollout from phase 2a.
The phases of the rollout and a COVID vaccine eligibility checker can be found at australia.gov.au.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News