The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Pfizer vaccine is preferable to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults aged under 50 based on a side effect linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The side effect - Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) - involves thrombosis, which is blood clotting, and thrombocytopenia, which is a low blood platelet count.
TTS is extremely rare, affecting one in 250,000 people but can cause serious long-term disability or death.
ATAGI has recommended:
· The AstraZeneca vaccine should only be used in adults aged under 50 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.
The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit and all State-run vaccination clinics have indefinitely paused the roll out of AstraZeneca to people aged under 50, as directed by the Victorian Department of Health.
The pause will remain until:
Frequently asked questions on the AstraZeneca vaccine can be found here.
Bendigo Health is a vaccination hub for the COVID-19 vaccine. Our vaccination program began on March 1.
Our role is to give the COVID-19 vaccine across the Loddon Mallee region to groups in stages outlined by the Commonwealth.
We are currently vaccinating the Phase 1a priority group and on April 6 we began vaccinating other healthcare workers in the Phase 1b priorty group.
We are not vaccinating the general population in Phase 1b and are not taking community bookings for the vaccine.
However GPs in the region began vaccinating some people this group from March 22.
The Victorian Government Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 can provide advice on where you can be vaccinted in the Loddon Mallee region.
More information on the Pfizer vaccine is available here.
More information on the AstraZeneca vaccine is available here.
Frequently asked questions on Australia's vaccination program can be accessed here.
Translated vaccination resources are available here.
The Public Health Unit will oversee the vaccination program across the Loddon Mallee region.
The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in phases which have been determined by the Australian Government.
Priority groups have been identified using public health, medical and epidemiological evidence.
Check out the @healthgovau eligibility calculator to find out which phase you are in: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Want to know more about the rollout? Visit: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-vaccinated-for-covid-19/when-will-i-get-a-covid-19-vaccine
The minimum time required between a dose of flu vaccine and a dose of COVID-19 Vaccine is 14 days.
There is no requirement regarding the order of flu and COVID vaccines.
Timing scenarios
No COVID vaccine
If you have not had any COVID-19 vaccine: wait at least 14 days after your flu vaccine to receive your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
AstraZeneca vaccine
If you have received one dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine: wait at least 14 days after this first dose before having your influenza vaccine.
The recommended interval (time) between the first and second dose of AstraZeneca is 12 weeks – ensure you have your influenza vaccine more than 14 days prior to your second dose OR 14 days after your second dose.
Pfizer vaccine
If you have received one dose of COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine: do not have your flu vaccine until at least 14 days after your second dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Useful links
