What started as a very slow turnout to vaccination centres ended up in drones asking for the jab, just as the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, had requested from the people of her state.

One big help has been the number of pharmacies who have offered to give AstraZeneca vaccinations, such as Harper’s Pharmacy in Earlwood (a suburb with many Greek Australians).

Harper’s pharmacy, run by pharmacist Alex Papadimitriou, has been vaccinating since July 25 and has recorded a great amount of vaccinations, including many Greek Australians.

“We have vaccinated 2649 people so far (as of 02/9/21). There are many Greek people coming in, many of our staff speak Greek including four of our vaccinating Pharmacists and the Greek customers, particularly those with limited English, have appreciated being able to discuss the vaccination and any concerns they have in Greek,” Mr Papadimitriou told Neos Kosmos.

When they started vaccinating, the minimum age to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine was 40. Since then, it has dropped to 18 and the pharmacy have made sure to not refuse anyone who comes in for the vaccine.

“The turnout has been strong. We have been extremely busy but have not turned anyone away although occasionally people have had to wait for 30 minutes or so,” Mr Papadimitriou says.

Mr Papadimitriou also spoke on how the turnout can still improve, with some still not trusting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“There are still way too many elderly Greeks who have not been vaccinated and also many from 60 years who are “waiting for Pfizer” – this is a big mistake in the current climate and unnecessary. I am 51 and chose to have the AZ vaccine even though I could have had Pfizer,” Mr Papadimitriou says.

Mr Papadimitriou was also very complimentary of the efforts his staff have made since they began vaccinating, despite all the challenges they have had to face.

“The staff have worked very hard though and we have managed. At this stage, only a couple of our staff have had to isolate due to close contacts outside the workplace. We have been lucky,” told Mr Papadimitriou to Neos Kosmos.

September plans to be another successful month of vaccinations, with the Moderna vaccine to be introduced and administered by pharmacies.

“We are expecting to be able to offer it sometime this month. We are especially hoping it will become available to children (once approved) through the pharmacy network. It is another excellent vaccine. The Government is expecting to supply 1 million doses this month and then 3 million doses a month in October, November and December,” Mr Papadimitriou says.