The vaccine clinic will extend its operating times by an hour each day, and has already begun offering appointments on weekends to try to meet demand as the Hunter awaits the opening of a mass vaccination centre in Belmont in mid-July.

LATEST NEWS ON COVID-19 IN NSW TODAY, JUNE 30

Elizabeth Grist, of Hunter New England Health, thanked clinic staff at John Hunter Hospital who were "working hard" to ensure people receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.

"The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at John Hunter Hospital is a very popular option in Newcastle and we have made changes to increase capacity, including increasing appointment availability and opening on weekends. As of Monday next week we will also be extending the operating hours to ensure we can vaccinate more people in a day."

Ms Grist said capacity would increase further with the opening of the Belmont mass vaccination clinic, which would be a "big step" forward in ensuring the community is protected.

"Construction and preparations are well underway...

"Until then we ask that people be patient and to keep visiting the eligibility checker - at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility - for appointments either at John Hunter Hospital or one of the other places offering vaccination across Newcastle and the Hunter, such as your local GP."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: