We would now like to share this advice directly with all of you so that you can see the actual medical advice being provided. It is important to note that the advice comes from the peak body for immunisation in Australia, ATAGI – Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
Following this, we will continue to keep members informed should the COVID-19 vaccine advice change, including providing advice on what this may mean for you and your staff getting vaccinated as part of Phase 1b, and any possible implications for Phase 2a delivery.
Advice from ATAGI on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine in response to new safety concerns:
- ATAGI notes further evidence of a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis (clotting) with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) following receipt of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
- ATAGI recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer (Comirnaty) is preferred over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in adults aged under 50 years. This recommendation is based on the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination) and a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 50 years.
- COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual, and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
- People who have had the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.
Further advice
- ATAGI statement: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-astrazeneca-vaccine-in-response-to-new-vaccine-safety-concerns
- Department of Health Secretary and Chief Medical Officer statement: https://www.health.gov.au/news/joint-statement-on-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine-advice-from-atagi
- TGA statement: https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/astrazeneca-chadox1-s-covid-19-vaccine