Waroona hosts one of the first regional chemists to administer the COVID-19 jab, with locals booked and ready

Waroona residents can now roll up their sleeves after their only chemist was among the first regional pharmacies to offer COVID- 19 jabs. It comes after National Cabinet talks in April allowed States and Territories to include community pharmacies in the next phase of their vaccine roll-outs. Waroona’s only pharmacy began distributing the AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday, but does not yet have access to the Pfizer jab. Owner and immunising pharmacist Judith Mather said she had already seen huge interest from locals, even from younger residents who were eligible for Pfizer. “Being rural, anyone who wanted the vaccine to start with had to go to Mandurah or Bunbury ... but now being available here people are really keen,” she said. Ms Mather said she and pharmacy staff were excited to start contributing to the solution and they had “absolutely” enough for everyone. “I got on to it really quickly and got everything ready — I was really pleased and surprised to get it so soon,” she said. “We were only told a few weeks ago that we had been approved so I just did all the paperwork. Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said he thought there would be an uptake, especially considering how local availability was at the moment. “We’re really excited that she (Ms Mather) is able to administer the COVID-19 jab now in Waroona — it gives our locals a chance to go and get it, which is good,” he said “I take my hat off to Judy. “I know she’s been through a lot of processes to actually be able to do this, so I congratulate her on standing up and wanting to bring it to Waroona. “If you wish to have it now, there’s no real excuse. “Now you can do it, go and get it done.” Bookings can be made in store, via terrywhitechemmart.com.au or at rollup.wa.gov.au.