ROLLOUT of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to local residents is expected “any time from mid-February”, according to Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Though it was reported last week that a local hub for vaccination would be established in Wodonga, as one of an expected nine sites across Victoria, a formal announcement on locations is yet to be made by the State Government.

A DHHS spokesperson said the department was “working closely with the Commonwealth and health partners” to ensure the rollout could begin from the middle of next month.

“The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines will be delivered through a range of locations that include Pfizer hubs announced by the Commonwealth this month,” the spokesperson said.

“Work is under way to identify sites across Victoria, and we’ll have more to say when locations are finalised.

“Our priority is to make sure that any vaccine which becomes available can be administered to Victorians as quickly and safely as possible.”

An announcement is due in coming days.

Locals set to be first in the queue for the vaccine, which must be stored at minus 70 degrees, will be frontline healthcare workers and aged care and disability care residents and workers.

As planning continues for the rollout, the National Rural Health Alliance has urged Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to ensure that vulnerable people in rural, regional and remote Australia are prioritised for vaccination.

Alliance chief executive officer Gabrielle O’Kane said people in rural, regional and remote communities experienced poorer health outcomes than those in major cities, which put them in a higher risk category for serious health complications associated with COVID-19.

“Achieving a swift and effective vaccine rollout to reach the seven million people living in rural, regional and remote communities will require the cooperation of every organisation and health professional in the vaccine supply chain,” she said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed on Sunday that pharmacies across the nation will be asked to assist with the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in the coming months.

Mr Hunt said he will be issuing an expression of interest to the 5800 community pharmacies to voluntarily participate with the rollout as they do with the flu jab.

Pharmacies would participate from what is known as Phase 2A of the rollout, which starts with vaccinations of people in their 60s.

The initial phases deal with the elderly, health care and high-risk workers.

Mr Hunt said Australia is on track for the roll-out commencing from late February and completing in October.