Moderna makes it to Deni

A local pharmacist has said the uptake of the Moderna vaccine has not been as good as he would like it to be.

Eric Sim of Eric Sim Pharmacy has called anyone over 12 years of age who is yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to book a free appointment at his pharmacy.

He is in the second week of administering the recently approved vaccine, totalling 44 doses given to yesterday, Thursday October 14.

Previously, 12 to 15 year olds were unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because the available Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines had not been approved for that age group.

Mr Sim wants to see herd immunity in the community so young people can be safe and their access to education will remain as uninterrupted as possible.

‘‘You want to make sure that your friends and colleagues and your schools are in safe grounds,’’ he said.

‘‘Having the vaccine everyone knows that we are in a safe environment.

‘‘The school can continue as normal and they don’t have to worry in their mind about COVID.’’

He asked the community to be proactive so NSW can ‘‘open up the economy and keep everyone safe’’.

Eric Sim Pharmacy has also given 81 doses of AstraZeneca since it was included in the rollout last month.

Appointments are available on Tuesday and Friday.

Soul Pattinson Chemist was unable to be contacted for their vaccine numbers before the PASTORAL TIMES went to print yesterday, however its Moderna rollout also started last week and appointments can be booked in store, online and over the phone.