Kempsey pharmacists prepare for nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

Pharmacies will begin vaccine distribution from phase 2A of the vaccination rollout, expected from May, with GPs to join the rollout from phase 1B, planned to start in March.

"I do think that pharmacists will play an important role in regional areas to get people vaccinated and I expect it will be pretty busy," Greg said.

"We have submitted an expression of interest to be able to administer the vaccine and we are also required to do some online training before the rollout."

The vaccine that most pharmacists will be administering is the AstraZeneca vaccine due to it being easier to store.

"The Pfizer vaccine needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees celsius while the AstraZeneca vaccine is a lot easier to store at between two and eight degrees celsius," Greg said.

"The AsraZeneca vaccine also requires a follow up injection around two weeks apart and we will be ensuring locals will be aware of what they need to do to be vaccinated."

The vaccine will be provided free of charge to anyone living in Australia, including all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa-holders, including those not Medicare-eligible.

"I think there are a few people out there who are skeptical, but Australia has had some of the best testing available for the COVID-19 vaccines," Greg said.

"It is a voluntary vaccination, and I do think the majority of people will come forward to receive the vaccination when it becomes available."

The vaccination program is expected to begin in late February.

The program will start with priority populations including aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers and quarantine and border workers.

The COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort will be one of the largest logistical operations in Australia's history.