Many are asking for more time, including from patients, to ensure they get the jab process right.

Ballarat Community Health is delaying its vaccination start until after Easter. BCH chief Sean Duffy said it was important all staff were properly equipped to handle the influx at clinics in Sebastopol, Lucas, Wendouree and Smythesdale. This was despite the Sebastopol clinic being named on the government's go list.

"We're definitely going to be delivering the AstraZeneca. As frustrating as it is, we do need people to be patient. We've got to make sure we get it right and the program is successful," Mr Duffy said.

"We're really pleased people are enthusiastic about getting it but we're working in a system with the rest of the state and nation - it's not just about Ballarat. This does require us to be subject to guidance and direction."

Mr Duffy, and other practice managers, implore people to check online for bookings and further details to help keep phone lines free, particularly for those who were ill or needed other medical advice.

This comes as Ballarat federal MP and former Labor health spokesperson Catherine King called on the government for greater clarity with efficiency in the vaccine roll-out. Ms King said her office was inundated with calls from confused residents unable to book in for a jab.

The federal health department released a list of 1000 GP clinics nationwide on Wednesday, including 10 in the Ballarat region, that could start phase 1b AstraZeneca vaccinations on Monday. Only, most clinics The Courier spoke with had been unaware and unprepared to launch programs.

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"It wasn't fair to older residents of our community and it wasn't fair to GPs and their staff who were left trying to explain a mix up that wasn't their fault," Ms King said. "These systems should have been tested and finalised weeks ago. Instead all older Australians and GPs have experienced is chaos and confusion.

"Our community is raring to get our vaccinations, but the Government needs to get it right."

"Our community has done an incredible job in stopping the spread, following rules and keeping case numbers down. Now it is up to the Prime Minister to do his part and roll the vaccine out as quickly and effectively as possible."

Ms King reiterated the Prime Minister needed to deliver on his promise to have four million Australians vaccinated by the end of this month. About 240,000 people have been vaccinated nationally, according to Australian Associated Press.

In a statement on Wednesday, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said 4000 GP clinics should be equipped to offer COVID vaccinations by the end of April.

Ballarat's Commonwealth-funded respiratory clinic to be run by UFS will be able to take 150 patients daily for COVID vaccines, including eligible people whose clinics do not yet offer vaccines. This will be run separately from the UFS COVID-19 testing clinic.

Ballarat Health Services is yet to confirm a mass vaccination site likely to come into play when the roll-out opens to the broader public.

Under phase 1b those eligible include people aged 70-plus, healthcare and emergency service workers, Indigenous Peoples aged 55-plus and people with complex medical conditions.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine visit the federal health department's page here or the Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

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