Welcome to your latest COVID-19 Vaccination Hub Bulletin.
Western Health is strictly following the Australian Technical Advisory Group of Immunisation (ATAGI) advice which means that currently every person in 1a and 1b priority groups, aged under 50 years will receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. If you want to receive the vaccine and have yet to receive your first dose, the time to book in and get the #jabdone is right now.
So we would like you to know that:
- We currently have Pfizer vaccine for those under 50 in the priority groups.
- There are available bookings, including for today, tomorrow and across the weekend.
- You can even walk in to the hub if you are an eligible healthcare worker and be assisted to book in on the spot.
For those who missed it, a Vaccination Hub webinar was held last Friday to explain the latest ATAGI advice, the subsequent changes and more than 60 questions were answered. This webinar was recorded and can be viewed as well as the presentation by Dr Marion Kainer.
Look out for the Nurse Unit Manager for the Sunshine Hospital Vaccination Hub Donald Johnson and some footage of the Sunshine Hub on Channel 7 news this evening.
Regards
Shane Crowe
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery
AstraZeneca Vaccine
ATAGI has advised the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged under 50 years. The AstraZeneca vaccine can still be used for adults aged under 50 years where the benefits of protection against COVID-19 are likely to outweigh the risks of the side effect, and if the person to be vaccinated provides informed consent.
This is due to a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis (blood clotting) and thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) after people receive their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Two people in Australia have developed the syndrome after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
ATAGI has advised that if you have already had your first dose of AstraZeneca, regardless of age, with no major adverse reaction – you are encouraged to receive their second dose as planned.
It is important to know that this is an extremely rare event among vaccine recipients. So how does this weigh up with other risks that we take? The BBC recently published this comparison of the risks associated with the vaccine against other risks we take. Whilst this is based on UK numbers, it is helpful in building context.
It is important to note that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not expressly prohibited, and governments are undertaking work to undertake resources are developed to allow people aged under 50 to have the vaccine with full informed consent.
Up to date information is put on the COVID-19 microsite as it is released.
#JABDONE
It is wonderful that the levels of COVID-19 in Australia is incredibly low. We have all worked hard as a community to achieve this. However just this morning top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci warned that even with the coronavirus under control and a vaccinated population, Australia won’t escape the threat of COVID-19 until the rest of the world is safe.
Whilst we are doing well with our vaccination rates, we still have a way to go.
This advice continues to demonstrate the need to get the #jab done and encourage others to do the same. By doing so you are helping to protect yourself, your colleagues and your community.