Following last week's Examiner article 'Vaxers swamp clinic' a department spokesperson confirmed that the Raymond Terrace Family Practice's vaccination clinic was the first to commence vaccinating people aged 50 and over on May 3.

"There are more than 10 general practices in the Nelson Bay region that are participating in the program and will commence vaccinating this priority population from May 17 (unless they apply to commence earlier)," the spokesperson said.

"Providing access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to everyone living in Australia seeking to be vaccinated is a key priority the Australian Government. More than 4,500 vaccination sites are currently participating in the vaccine roll-out."

However, according to the online eligibility checker, a number of the clinics registered to participate in the vaccination program are booked out and not taking bookings until further notice.

On April 22, the Australian government announced the recalibrated COVID-19 vaccine program (following agreement from National Cabinet) which included bringing forward access to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for Phase 2a eligible people aged 50 to 69 years commencing with national, state and territory vaccination clinics on May 3 and in general practice from May 17 (earlier upon application).

"The COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder gives eligible consumers one central place to find clinics near them and will direct consumers to relevant vaccination sites based on their priority population and there will be rolling updates as more general practices apply."

To keep updated, go to covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au.