Goya Dmytryshchak
An Altona pharmacist who has started offering AstraZeneca vaccinations has booked out immediately.
Simon Jiao, the owner of Chemist Discount Centre Altona, said appointments were fully booked for the first two weeks.
The chemist is currently doing the vaccinations only on Mondays and Fridays.
In September, it will be offering Pfizer.
“My recommendation to people is the AstraZeneca vaccination is just as effective and is just as good,” Mr Jiao said.
“The sooner everyone can get vaccinated in Melbourne’s west, the sooner it is safer for everyone in this area.
“There has been a lot of negative backlash from the media about the AstraZeneca vaccination.
“I’ve had it myself.
“Two of our pharmacy staff had it themselves and … Jane, the delivery lady who is in and out of nursing homes: we all had AstraZeneca and there haven’t been any troubles.
“The message I want to tell people is, get vaccinated ASAP.
“Don’t wait for the mRNA, don’t wait for those other brands, get the ones when they are available.”
Victorian pharmacies are allocated 150 doses per week.
“The supply is slow, definitely,” Mr Jiao said.
“We placed an order for 500 for the initial application.
“We received 300.
“At the moment, this whole process is gated not by choices but is actually gated by availability.”
Other pharmacies offering vaccinations include Chemcare Wellness Pharmacy in Altona, Blackshaws Road Pharmacy and Circle Health Pharmacy in Altona North, and Highpoint Medical Centre Pharmacy in Maribyrnong.
For more information visit: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
