New South Wales is about to get its second COVID-19 mass vaccination hub when a new facility opens in Newcastle from July 19.
Workers have spent the last month fitting-out a former Bunnings warehouse site at Belmont which will have the capacity to administer up to 20,000 vaccinations a week.
Hunter New England Health CEO Michael DiRienzo is hoping the process of getting thousands of people vaccinated each day will run smoothly.
"The site is ideal. We've been able to use all the space available.
"We have ample car parking, good public transport, so we would encourage as many people as possible to come here."
More than 300 nurses and support staff will be employed at the centre, which has been modelled on Sydney's Homebush vaccination hub.
Mr DiRienzo said several nurses had come out of retirement to help staff the Belmont hub.
"We've done extremely well [with staffing], we've had a positive response from our own staff and we will be commencing on the 19th fully staffed."
John Hunter Hospital clinic to relocate
He said the COVID vaccine clinic at John Hunter will be transferred over to the Belmont site.
Hunter Health officials are urging locals to book online from this Monday, July 12, for appointments at the Belmont hub.
