The Australian Defence Force (ADF) was in Coonabarabran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week, providing both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.

The ADF and Western NSW Local Health District used the Coonabarabran Town Hall as a base, with residents lining up for about 100 metres along King Street at one point on Friday morning.

While popular with residents using the local drop-in clinic to source their vaccinations, there were a few hiccups with the operation.

Previously it had been advertised the vaccine at the Coonabarabran clinic would be available to children aged 12 years and older.

However, the health advice changed almost overnight and the age limit was changed to 16 and above.

Some families who enquired about vaccination for their younger teenagers were turned away from the clinic.

A Western NSW Local Health District spokesperson said they understood that families could be frustrated at the turn of events, but said the door was still open for youngsters to get the jab.

“Sadly, the advice changed to revert back to 16 and up,” the spokesperson said.

“The eligibility will change to 12 and up through private providers from (last) Monday.”