The first Moderna jabs have gone into arms but a local pharmacist has pleaded for patience as chemists make inroads on long waiting lists.
Pharmacist Anthony Piggott administered the first Moderna vaccine at Piggotts Pharmacy Merewether to teenager Tilly Lavaring on Thursday morning.
Mr Piggott said it was "very exciting" to be able to offer the alternate vaccine, which is in high demand already.
"At the moment between the six pharmacies, we've got 700 vaccines coming in this week but the waiting list is over 7000," he said.
"It's very tricky to organise because everybody wants it right now."
Mr Piggott expected about a four week wait for the vaccine, and while it is available for anyone aged 12 to 59, he requested people aged above 18 consider allowing time for school aged teens to book so they can be vaccinated before school returns face to face next month.
"We would really like to give some priority to 12-15 year-olds because they don't have any other choice of vaccine," he said.
The business has a "bottomless" supply of AstraZeneca, Mr Piggott said.
"We want people not to be scared of it," he said. "It is actually a really good vaccine, I've had it myself.
"You can come and get that one today rather than waiting."
Mr Piggott said he had noticed spikes in demand for vaccines after recent developments, including local cases and picnics being allowed for vaccinated people.
"Having COVID in Newcastle certainly moved some people from hesitant to proactive," he said.
Tilly Lavaring, 15, was one person who was proactive about getting the jab as soon as she was able.
The Newcastle teen said she wanted to get vaccinated to help protect vulnerable older people and children, particularly as she knows a young boy who has cancer.
But she had to overcome a few nerves in the leadup to the needle, which were calmed by listening to her favourite artist Taylor Swift and a helping hand hold from her mum, NBN newsreader Natasha Beyersdorf.
And apart from a "little sting" she felt fine afterwards and was glad to be doing her part for the community.
"When one person gets vaccinated it helps the whole community," she said. "I just want the world to get back to normal."
Mr Piggott said the pharmacy was only taking bookings online at this stage due to the high demand, with updates on supply to be posted to the Piggotts Facebook page.
"Please be patient, please be understanding of staff," he said. "But please find somewhere to get a vaccine, it doesn't have to be with us.
"We will get through everybody, we just can't all do it tomorrow."
