How can younger Australians decide about the AstraZeneca vaccine? A GP explains sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Disclosure statement
Brett Montgomery works as a general practitioner, mostly academically but also clinically. In his clinical role he, like many Australian GPs, discusses and provides COVID-19 vaccination as part of his paid work. At present the practice he works at offers the AstraZeneca vaccine, but not the Pfizer vaccine. He has personally had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, despite being under the age of 50; he had his first dose before the link to a clotting disorder was apparent. He is affiliated with several organisations with health policy interests, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Doctors Reform Society and the Australian Greens. However, he writes this article in a personal capacity.
Young Australians should consider AstraZeneca jab only in pressing circumstances
By IANS |
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Young Australians should consider AstraZeneca jab only in pressing circumstances. Image Source: IANS News
Canberra, July 2 : The head of Australia s vaccine panel said that the younger population in the country should consider getting the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine only in pressing circumstances.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said on Monday that people under 40 could consult their doctor if they wish to go and speak to their doctor and have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine , reports Xinhua news agency
The announcement came weeks after the government restricted access to the vaccine to only over-60s on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI).
10 things you need to know this morning in Australia James Hennessy
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The vaccine situation continues to look worse for wear, to put it lightly. A complete stuff up at all levels, might also cover it. Following Scott Morrison s announcement on Tuesday night that under-40s can access the AstraZeneca shot if they consult with their GP, the Commonwealth s expert vaccine panel ATAGI has shot it down. There are some situations where that would be warranted, but they are quite small, said co-chair Christopher Blyth. The ATAGI advice is that Pfizer is our preference for those under the age of 60 years.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new no-fault indemnity scheme on Monday that allows any Australian adult to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine if they give their consent. The move has sparked fierce debate with the federal government’s expert immunisation group and Queensland government urging younger people to avoid the vaccine.
Asked if young people should get the AstraZeneca vaccine, Mr Andrews said under-60s should get medical advice from their GPs, rather than members of parliament.
For people under 40 for whom the shot was now available, he said they should sit down with their GP and talk about whether it was right for them.