This is the sentiment of Bathurst Rural Clinical School director and respected local GP Dr Ross Wilson, as the AstraZeneca jab shapes up to be the most commonly available COVID-19 vaccine for Bathurst residents in the coming months.

Last week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced Pfizer doses will be redirected from regional areas to vaccinate HSC students in Sydney suburbs most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

READ ALSO: 16.7 per of Central West residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19, 40.4 per cent have had first dose

And while there has been isolated reports of clotting, Dr Wilson said fears around the AstraZeneca vaccine have been overexaggerated.

"You're more at risk of developing significant complications from the contraceptive pill, smoking and pregnancy than you are from the AstraZeneca jab, and these are three common health phenomena doctors treat on a weekly basis," he said.

"To put this into greater perspective, if you were to stand outside in a storm, you stand a one in 1.2 million chance of getting struck by lightning: with AstraZeneca, you stand a one in 1.9 million chance of developing a major health complication."

"The reality is AstraZeneca is fine for the majority over 18, and the community needs to start looking beyond fear-mongering headlines and 'Dr Google' for expert opinions."

READ ALSO: NSW records 233 COVID-19 cases, two deaths including man in his 20s

As of August 1, 16.7 per cent of the Central West had been fully vaccinated.

Dr Wilson said a mixture of federal government failings regarding the rollout and conflicting media reports have contributed to Australia's slow vaccination rate, which stood at 15.5 per cent as of Monday.

"I hate to say it, but the media has effectively trashed the reputation of AstraZeneca, which is an outstanding vaccine developed from careful scientific research and testing," he said.

"I've been in touch with a chief vaccine scientific specialist with AstraZeneca in Sydney, who said the company is in the process of developing a sensible campaign separating fact from fiction regarding the vaccine."

READ ALSO: NSW aims for six million jabs by September

Dr Wilson has reaffirmed all GP's are more than happy to answer any questions and address any concerns surrounding AstraZeneca.

"Dr Google is the most unreliable source of medical information; ask your GP, ask at the vaccination clinic, they are there to answer all your questions," he said.

"It's clear AstraZeneca will be more readily available than Pfizer moving ahead, so the community need to be aware the benefits greatly outweigh the risks."

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