The announcement comes after a number of recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to the Federal Government following evidence of a likely link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome thrombosis with thrombocytopenia.
The ATAGI recommendations included:
● the AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people aged 50 years and over; and
● that use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults under 50 who have not already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Accordingly, the Goulburn Valley Health vaccination program at the McIntosh Centre and Kilmore District Health, Mansfield District Hospital and NCN Health ’sub-hubs’ will not be providing the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged under 50.
Further advice is expected to be provided, including revised patient information that will assist people to make an informed choice regarding COVID-19 vaccines that are available.
People who have received their first AstraZeneca vaccine dose without the TTS side effect or other serious adverse effects, should receive their second dose as planned, including people aged under 50.
This approach is safe and is recommended by ATAGI.
The GV Health vaccine hub at the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton will continue to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to priority 1a and specific 1b recipients from Monday to Friday, and the organisation encourages people with an invitation to book.
This will be for people aged 50 or over.
The GV Health mobile outreach team will also continue to deliver the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine to public aged care residents aged 50 and over.
GV Health may contact eligible 1a and 1b people under 50 who are booked to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to reschedule their appointment.
This will be based on the allocations of COVID-19 vaccine available next week.
Community members who have any questions about their health or about the AstraZeneca vaccine should consult their doctor.
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