COVID-19 vaccination – Update on AstraZeneca age recommendations to people with disability

Hi, I’m Dr Lucas de Toca, and I lead the rollout of the vaccination program through GPs. I wanted to give you an update on the vaccine rollout, as the age recommendation for the vaccines has changed. Our immunisation experts have said that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred for adults aged under 60. This means that if you are under 60 years of age, you should get the Pfizer vaccine. The update came after new evidence showed a higher risk of the rare blood clotting condition, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS, in people aged 50 to 59. If you are 60 years and over, it’s important to understand that the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 outweigh the risks of TTS. The AstraZeneca vaccine is still very good at protecting you from getting very sick or dying from COVID-19. People who have had their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without any serious side effects should still receive their second dose. This includes adults under 60 years of age. Having your second dose offers you the best protection from getting seriously sick from COVID-19. If you’ve had your first dose, I encourage you to book in for your second dose of the same vaccine. Many millions of people around the world have had their vaccines safely. The vaccines are still our most important way to prevent serious illness or death from COVID-19. Thank you. For more information: Visit health.gov.au. Call the Disability Gateway Helpline on 1800 643 787 or visit the Disability Gateway website on www.disabilitygateway.gov.au If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service on 133 677. As of 29 June 2021, eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine has been expanded. For more information, visit health.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines