The Mudgee Guardian spoke with Dr Alex Ghanem who helped answer some questions about the injection and shared what a vaccination appointment will look like.

The initial stage of Phase 1B will include anyone 70 years old or over, along with healthcare and frontline workers. It also includes Indigenous Australians 55 or over and younger Australians with underlying medical conditions.

If you are unsure that you are eligible to receive the Phase 1B vaccination, head to https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

"Don't panic, there's enough vaccinations to go around. Australia is now manufacturing the AstraZeneca vaccine...it's just a matter of time before we're all done," Dr Ghanem said.

The vaccination roll-out will be conducted at the Mudgee Showground Pavilion, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 1pm to 5pm as of March 29.

Entrance to the facility will be via Douro Street before those being vaccinated will head to the pavilion, opposite the Respiratory Clinic.

Bookings to receive the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can be made by hotdoc.com.au or through Health Direct.

Appointments will take place from March 29, 2021.

"We are really keen for people to book online. The reason we would like this to happen is that it will save a considerable amount of time, it will streamline the process and allow us to vaccinate more people," Dr Ghanem said.

At the site, there will be between three and four nurses who will be administering the vaccines.

A doctor from either South Mudgee Surgery or Mudgee Medical Centre will be on site should anyone require assistance or have questions.

For the AstraZeneca vaccination, there are two doses.

After booking in for your first vaccine, you will be prompted to book for the second dose in 12 weeks time.

One or two days after receiving the vaccination, the following side effects may present:

"These local reactions are actually reasonably common and similar to those of other vaccinations. But, if you are unsure, please speak to your doctor. If you're really unwell, you may need to present to hospital," Dr Ghanem said.

After each vaccination, patients will be asked to remain inside the pavilion for 15 minutes to be monitored should any serious reactions present. For those with severe allergies, they are to stay for 30 minutes.

"The risk of a serious reaction is very, very low but the government would like us to monitor everyone," Dr Ghanem said.

"At this stage, there has been vast experience with the AstraZeneca vaccine and it's proved to be very safe and effective. We're confident that it will be very successful."

Dr Alex Ghanem has encouraged women who are pregnant to discuss receiving the vaccination with their obstetrician before booking an appointment.

Yes. However, following your COVID injection (either the first or second dose), you can book in for a flu shot two weeks later.

Yes, you will just have to book an appointment online.

Should you have trouble booking an appointment, phone (02) 6362 4031.

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