The vaccine enthusiasm comes in the wake of lockdowns ordered in Tamworth and Armidale, after two separate visits by people infected by coronavirus.

On Monday, Belmore Surgery's Dr Jim Stacey opened an entire day-long vaccination clinic for Wednesday, and it was already completely booked by Tuesday afternoon.

READ MORE:

"We're capable of doing 400 a week," he said.

Dr Stacey said he hasn't seen as much interest in getting protected since the vaccines were first available - but still had slots open for Thursday, Friday and a potential Saturday vaccination clinic.

The clinic is seeing a new clientele, as well.

Young people who may have otherwise waited for Pfizer are approaching the clinic in droves, he said.

"It's caused them to reevaluate their position," he said.

"We were getting plenty last week anyway, but it's definitely escalated."

The clinic, which only does AstraZeneca vaccinations, has ordered an additional 600 doses this Friday and another 600 next week.

Dr Ian Kamerman from Northwest Health reports the same experience - a substantial increase in demand for 'any' vaccination.

"People that are not eligible for Pfizer yet, or Pfizer's recommended for them, will come in for AstraZeneca vaccinations," he said.

"We're vaccinating roughly 250 people a day."

For months, Dr Kamerman has been doing his bit to encourage locals to get their first jab, often offering a vaccination during an unrelated medical checkup.

He said there really isn't much real vaccine hesitancy in Tamworth, and interest in inoculation has always remained strong.

"Absolutely. I think people are out there, by and large, are choosing to be vaccinated, as they should be to meet the impact of this virus head on and reduce the need for lockdowns like we're in at the moment," he said.

"I think this lockdown has been very much a wakeup call for the community."

Support the local news that keeps you informed - subscribe today.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said public figures are similarly encouraging, and there has been an increased interest in getting protected.

"I expect in the next few days, if, touch wood, things look positive for us keeping the cases within that one household, and it looks very likely that, that lockdown will lift, I think people's focus will turn to getting the vaccination.

"We do have more AstraZeneca coming this week, more Pfizer the week after. But whatever it is, a vaccine is a vaccine."

Any resident of Armidale who wants a coronavirus vaccine can get one the same day they ask, he said - and he strongly encouraged people to take up the opportunity.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: