Wimmera people who have received their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine are being told to complete their vaccine program as planned.

The recommendation is part of updated information on the availability of Pfizer vaccines.

Grampians Sub Hub COVID vaccine rollout coordinator Genevieve Lilley it was safe to have your second dose of AstraZeneca regardless of your age, if you had already had your first round dose.

“If you are booked for dose one of AZ you can go ahead with the booking,” Ms Lilley said.

“There have been no changes to this advice, regardless of age – dose two is the same as dose one,” she said.

“If you have a booking for a first dose of vaccine and you are under 60, you can rebook into the Pfizer clinic – but only if you made the appointment last week.

“Please call 5362 3468 to change your booking. If you’re rebooking from a GP clinic, please bring some evidence such as confirming text message that you made the appointment last week.”

State-wide changes to vaccine availability have now come into effect. The changes are in response to high demand for COVID-19 vaccine in recent weeks and the need to ensure availability of second doses.

Yesterday, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released revised recommendation in relation to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Effective immediately, ATAGI advises that Pfizer is preferred over AstraZeneca for those aged 16 to 59 years. This is based on recent data regarding thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) cases in Australia and a reassessment of current age-specific risks and benefits of vaccination.

Wimmera Health Care Group’s vaccination clinic in McLachlan Street can now vaccinate the community as follows: AstraZeneca First dose
• If you are aged 50-59 years and you have a 1st dose appointment you will now be offered the Pfizer vaccine. You will need to rebook.
• If you are aged 50-59 years and you do not have a 1st dose appointment you will need to wait until we are able to reopen new appointments for first doses – this may not be for several weeks.
• If you’re over 60, things have not changed, you can book in for your AZ vaccine as per usual

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