Updated AstraZeneca Advice from ATAGI - 18/6/21

We now have new advice from ATAGI about the AstraZeneca Vaccine (see below).

If you are under 60 and eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine, it is recommended that you get the Pfizer vaccine. At this time, we will NOT be getting the Pfizer Vaccine at our practice, only the AstraZeneca Vaccine.

We have decided that anyone under 60 who is eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine and still wants the AstraZeneca vaccine will need to have a consultation with their doctor to discuss their individual benefit-to-risk balance prior to being placed on our waiting list.

If after speaking with your doctor, you would like to proceed with the vaccine, you will need to let us know and we will then place you on our waiting list.

What is the new ATAGI advice?

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have reviewed their advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine. They have recommended that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for people aged under 60 years. This doesn’t change who is currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but it means if you are under 60 it is preferred you get the Pfizer vaccine.

Why has the advice changed?

ATAGI have made this recommendation because of new evidence that shows the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS (which is a rare blood clotting syndrome) in the 50 – 59 age group is higher than initially thought.

I’ve had my first dose of AstraZeneca, should I get Pfizer for my second dose?

No, this isn’t necessary. If you have had your first AstraZeneca vaccine dose without any serious side effects, you can receive your second dose as planned. To ensure maximum long term immunity, it is important you receive two doses of the same COVID-19 vaccine.

I’ve had my first dose of AstraZeneca, and have side effects that I am worried about. What should I do?

If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, I can book an appointment for you to see your doctor.

I am 60 years or over, is the AstraZeneca vaccine still safe for me?

Yes, the AstraZeneca vaccine is still safe for you. The risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS (which is a rare blood clotting syndrome), is much lower in people aged 60 years and over. Additionally, if you are aged 60 and over you are much more likely to become seriously unwell if you catch COVID-19.

I’m booked in for my first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and I am under 60, what do I do?

If you are aged under 60 years, and you have an appointment to receive your first dose of AstraZeneca, it is recommended you cancel this booking.

You can schedule an appointment at a Pfizer vaccination site. If you need to find the site closest to you, you can use the vaccine eligibility check on health.gov.au

Where can I get a Pfizer vaccine?

You can use the vaccine eligibility checker to find the Pfizer Vaccine and book an appointment - click here. If an appointment is not available right away, new clinics and appointments are being added regularly, so you can wait a few days and check again.

I am under 60, and I am fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, do I have to get Pfizer now?

If you have received both doses of the vaccine you do not need to get vaccinated with any other COVID-19 vaccine.