John Hallihan, who has been a pharmacist at Blooms for the last seven years, is thrilled to play a vital part in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"You feel in yourself that you're doing something to help the pandemic and to help people, too," he said.

"We started administering the vaccines last Wednesday. We have done 19 today and it's slowly picking up through word of mouth."

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Twelve chemists in the Shoalhaven have started, or are about to start administering the AstraZeneca vaccine and include:

Mr Hallihan said he is glad the option to get vaccinated in a chemist is now available as it could feel like a safer option for some.

"Our customers are very grateful that we provide the service so they don't have to go to mass vaccination centres," he said.

"For some, coming here could be a safer option. The mass vaccination centres are definitely necessary, especially in epicentres of highly populated areas. But we are much smaller here."

While Mr Hallinan said Blooms is accepting walk-ins, he encouraged people to call the pharmacy or book online so the doses could be prepared accordingly.

"We have had some walk ins, but we have been giving preference to the people who book," he said.

"You've got to be careful that you don't prepare too many doses, you've only got a matter of hours to use it."

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At the moment, Mr Hallinan said chemists have only received the doses of the AstraZeneca, however doses of Pfizer and Moderna could be available as early as next month.

"We are first in line for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which are meant to come next month but we will see what happens," said Mr Hallihan.

He encouraged all to roll up their sleeves and get the jab.

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