Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been amended following recent advice from vaccine experts about the AstraZeneca vaccine.
People in Phase 1a and Phase 1b are currently being vaccinated. Vaccinations will begin for people in Phase 2a in May, starting with all adults 50 years and over.
- From 3 May 2021, people 50 years and over can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at GP Respiratory Clinics and state vaccination clinics.
- From 17 May 2021, people 50 years and over can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at a participating general practice.
The Australian Government’s focus remains on vaccinating Australians in the phase 1a and 1b categories. However, if there are available doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine – and there are people aged 50 or over who would like to receive that vaccine – the Australian Government is fast-tracking the process to get them vaccinated.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths. The evidence indicates the risk of someone developing the side effect of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome from the AstraZeneca vaccine, is very low.
- To help your patients make informed decisions you can find information about weighing up the potential benefits against the risk of harm from the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZenca on this webpage
- The Australian Government Department of Health also has information on the AstraZeneca vaccine in Easy Read format.