Blue Mountains parents have begun the race to get their children vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the start of the school term.
And while many parents across the country have reported difficulties booking jabs for their children, getting in early was the key to a successful vaccination plan for Warrimoo parents Mel and Matt Rufus.
Ms Rufus made bookings for their children, Piper and Charlie, via their local GP's app in December.
"It was nice and easy. We got in early because we anticipated there would be a lot of demand closer to the date," she said.
Mr Rufus said they had no hesitation once details about the vaccine rollout program for five to 11 year olds were announced.
"It's not just about the kids. We're vaccinated as well... It's all about keeping the vulnerable people in our community safe," he said. "If we're going to do it, our kids should be doing it too."
The head of Australia's vaccine rollout last week called for patience as the children's vaccine program got underway
Lieutenant General John Frewen encouraged parents to keep trying to find appointments amid concerns practitioners are booked out.
"If you are having trouble at the moment, maybe with your normal GP or healthcare provider, please do try pharmacies and maybe one of the state or territory clinics as they come online," Lt Gen Frewen told the Seven Network.
"There are plenty of vaccines so people do need a little bit of patience. There are new appointments coming online every day, there are going to be walk in opportunities as well."
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said she has received reports the local rollout hasn't been without incident.
"One Lower Mountains GP has expressed their frustration with their delivery being cancelled and a series of communication blunders that meant appointments had to be cancelled," she said.
"While most local GPs appear to have received the vaccine supplies they ordered for the start of the children's vaccine roll-out, the Primary Health Network advises me that many are awaiting additional volume."
Federal health minister Greg Hunt said three million doses will be available over January for the 2.3 million children eligible for a jab.
Mr Hunt said more than 6000 GP offices will receive child vaccine doses, as well as more than 150 commonwealth vaccination clinics, more than 115 indigenous medical clinics, 2000 pharmacies and, at this stage, more than 250 participating state clinics.
But he conceded not every child will be able to get their jab on a particular day as practices only have a certain volume because 8000 vaccination points around Australia also have to be supplied.
Lt Gen Frewen said the challenge was on distributing the vaccine to where there was growing demand.
"We will be working with all of the providers to make sure that we get the supplies to those places where they are needed most," he said.
"I know people are very keen to get the kids vaccinated before school, it is just about us matching the vaccines up with where people are."
Both Piper, 10, and Charlie, 8, said they were "excited" about getting their vaccinations before they start the new school year at Warrimoo Public School.
"I think it's better to be safe than sick," said Piper.
- with AAP
