NSW Health has apologised after an 'error' saw boys from an elite Sydney private school given the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.
The Sydney Local Health District planned to only inoculate Indigenous students at St Joseph's College, however something happened in the process and organisers ended up giving the jab to 163 boarders at the school.
It's sparked a massive outcry from people who have been patiently waiting for their jab, only to find out privileged teenage boys got theirs first.
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There's no indication what caused the 'error' and NSW Health has stayed tight lipped on the exact circumstances of the incident.
Sydney Local Health District chief executive Teresa Anderson added: "It was agreed that the Aboriginal students would be vaccinated through the state health system at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's vaccination hub.
"Through an error, the wider group of boarders in year 12, a total of 163 students, were also vaccinated. Sydney Local Health District apologises for this error."
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Since Joey's managed to get vaccines for some of their students, two other elite private schools, The Kings School and St Ignatius' College, have reportedly started having discussions with NSW Health to let their Indigenous pupils get the jab, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
St Joseph's College principal Ross Tarlinton said in a statement that their initial plan to inoculate Indigenous students was all above board.
"Acknowledging that the college does not determine vaccination priority, it welcomed the opportunity to offer the vaccine for students given the approvals provided and for the reasons listed above," Mr Tarlinton said.
"The college will continue to encourage and support members of its community to receive the appropriate vaccine as the opportunity arises. St Joseph's College takes advice from NSW Health and follows public health orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic."
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At the moment, only New South Wales adults aged between 40 to 60 are eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine. The only other people allowed to get the jab are people who work on the frontline, their household or family contacts, those listed as vulnerable, and Indigenous people over the age of 16.
Mr Tarlinton approached NSW Health in May to see whether their Indigenous students in Year 12 could be invited to get the jab and it was approved.
"Given that we have a large number of boys who live in a residential community, which includes boys from rural, remote and indigenous communities," he said.
Featured Image Credit: St Joseph's College/TwitterTopics: Australia