The local hospital was announced as one of just 25 sites across the state to begin taking vaccine bookings for people aged between 40 and 49 as the state government scales up the rollout.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) confirmed that interested and eligible locals can book in for a Pfizer dose at the hospital clinic from Monday.

People need to register their interest online and wait to be given a time slot.

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A spokesowoman from HNEH told the Leader the hospital has had access to Pfizer vials for the past two weeks, after the facility recieved the appropriate refrigeration storage needed to keep the vaccines cold.

The hospital clinic has been delivering the Pfizer doses to health workers under the age of 50 since May 10.

Hospital staff have been getting immunised against COVID-19 with the AstraZeneca vaccine since March, but the jabs became limited to workers over the age of 50 when health advice changed suddenly last month.

Now, the clinic inside the Tamworth hospital grounds is set to expand to the general public, and offer Pfizer jabs to people aged between 40 years and 49 years.

HNEH could not confirm how many doses of the vaccine will be available for the general public or how many vials the hospital receives per week, of either brand.

The announcement was made by Premier Gladys Berejiklian and state health minister Brad Hazzard during a press conference on Wednesday.

"We're making it easier for people right across NSW to access COVID vaccines as quickly as possible," Mr Hazzard said.

"The more people vaccinated sooner in our state the stronger our defence against this extremely dangerous virus."

The 25 sites announced yesterday include 17 in regional areas.

Armidale and Moree hospitals have been slated to open Pfizer vaccination appointments up to the 40-49 age group next month.

GP clinics in Tamworth are in charge of vaccinating the over 50s category with AstraZeneca doses, and dozens of practices across the region are taking bookings.

Health advice handed down last month indicates the AstraZeneca vaccine is not recommended for younger people due to a possible link between the jab and a very rare but serious blood clotting disorder.

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