After putting expressions of interest forward back in February, around eight Wagga pharmacies have been given approval to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Wagga SouthCity Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Luke van der Rijt received his first batch of vaccines on Tuesday, with plans to begin offering jabs to people over 18 from next week.

He says that "there will be better accessibility (to the vaccine) with pharmacies on board".

"Especially areas that may not have a GP that's vaccinating, or the GP might be at capacity," Mr van der Rijt added.

"The more hands on deck, the better."

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The supply of AstraZeneca to SouthCity Pharmacy is expected to be a few hundred doses each fortnight, with people already able to book a vaccine appointment.

"It really reduces your chance of hospitalisation and death," Mr van der Rijt said of the jab.

"It's really important that people get it for their own protection and for other vulnerable people in the community who might not be able to get it."

Michael O'Reilly of the Michael O'Reilly pharmacy will also be receiving their first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines soon, with plans to offer the shot to people over 18 from August 26.

"We have received notification recently that we'll get stock very soon," he said.

"I have no doubt that we will have access to other vaccines in time."

Mr O'Reilly said he is "optimistic" about the supply of AstraZeneca. He also said that vaccination is "our best treatment" against COVID, especially as the virus reaches other regional areas across the state.

"We can't keep relying on locking areas down to be our primary defence," Mr O'Reilly said.

"Our primary defence has to be vaccination."

Previously, the closest pharmacy to Wagga offering the AstraZeneca vaccine was in Finley - over two hours away.

AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines continue to be available through general practice, the vaccination hub at Glenrock Country Practice, and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Cincotta Discount Chemist is another Wagga pharmacy coming on board to offer AstraZeneca. Owner Mustafa Al Shakarji expects supply to arrive as soon as this week, with the pharmacy able to administer doses the "same day we receive it".

He also said that doses of Pfizer and Moderna could be available via the pharmacy as early as next month.

The initial supply is 100-200 doses, with 600 doses set to be delivered each fortnight thereafter.

Soul Pattinson Chemist at Turvey Park, the Terry White Chemist at Tolland, Kooringal Pharmacy and Blooms The Chemist are also set to join the vaccination rollout.

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