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More than 100 students at Sydney private school given Pfizer vaccine

More than a hundred students at a private boy's school in Sydney have already received a coronavirus vaccine, despite it only being officially available to those over 40.

The principal of St Joseph's College in Hunters Hill on the lower north shore confirmed 160 of its students were vaccinated with their first dose of Pfizer in May 2021.

Headmaster Ross Tarlinton said in a statement the college liaised with NSW Health about getting certain students vaccinated.

However, NSW Health said this afternoon the school approached it about getting indigenous students vaccinated.

All 163 Year 12 boarders were given the jab "through an error".

READ MORE: Pfizer jab now offered by GPs in next phase of vaccine rollout

Year 12 students at St Joseph's College at Hunters Hill have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine athough the official roll out is for people aged 40 and above. coronavirus

"The College approached Sydney Local Health District in May 2021 to inquire about the possibility of vaccinations for students, given that we have a large number of boys who live in a residential community, which includes boys from rural, remote and indigenous communities," St Joseph's College Headmaster Ross Tarlinton said in a statement to 9News today.

"The approval and administration of the vaccine was endorsed and managed by NSW Health through the Sydney Local Health District.

"The College proceeded to make arrangements for the administration of the approved vaccine at a centre determined by NSW Health.

The college headmaster said it consulted with NSW Health. St Joseph's College at Hunters Hill coronaviurs vaccine

"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.

"The College will continue to encourage and support members of its community to receive the appropriate vaccine as the opportunity arises," the statement said.

Currently, that vaccination is only officially available to people in NSW aged 40-49, or those eligible in Phase 1a and 1b of the rollout in NSW.

All Aboriginal people aged 16-49 are also eligible under the guidelines.

This afternoon, Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief Executive, Sydney Local Health District admitted NSW Health made an error and vaccinated all students in the group.

"Sydney Local Health District was approached by St Joseph's College in Hunters Hill in relation to the vaccination of Aboriginal students boarding at the school.

"All Aboriginal people aged 16 to 49 years of age are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, according to the Commonwealth Government eligibility criteria as they have a higher risk of acquiring, and developing severe disease from, COVID-19.

"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," Dr Anderson said.