27 April 2021
The below information provides a summary of recent clinical updates and clarifications that address specific questions COVID-19 vaccination providers have raised.
Clinical updates and considerations can be found on the clinical considerations page on the Department of Health website.
Interruption to COVID-19 vaccination and advice for re-vaccination
- If the process of administering a vaccine intramuscularly is interrupted (such as by syringe–needle disconnection) and most of the dose has not been given, repeat the whole dose as soon as practicable. If most of the dose has been given, repeat dosing is not required. If there is uncertainty, it is acceptable to administer a repeat whole dose.
Timing for administration of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine when COVID-19 is contracted between the first and second dose
Where an individual contracts COVID-19 between the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, in general the following is recommended:
- The second dose of Pfizer vaccine should be given a minimum of eight weeks after the individual has recovered from their acute illness
- The second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should be given a minimum of 12 weeks after the individual has recovered from their acute illness
Where an individual is very likely to be in contact with cases of COVID-19 (eg an individual working in quarantine), consideration may be given to shortening the above recommended intervals. In this instance, clinicians may wish to seek advice from a specialist immunisation service.