Updated advice regarding AstraZeneca vaccine

New advice has been provided today by the experts at the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred in adults aged 59 and under.

Up until today, ATAGI’s advice had been the Pfizer vaccine be preferred for adults aged 49 and under, based on evidence related to the incidence of the very rare blood-clotting thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in this age cohort. 

This updated advice received today is based on new evidence demonstrating a higher risk for the very rare TTS condition in the 50–59 year-old age group compared to those older than 60. 

AstraZeneca remains recommended for those aged 60 and over based on the much higher risk of illness and death from COVID-19 in this age group, and the lower risk of TTP from the vaccine compared to younger age groups.

The advice from ATAGI is clear that this new advice only applies to those who have not received their first dose of AstraZeneca. There have been no cases of TTP in Australia reported after a second AstraZeneca dose.

If you are under 60 and have received your first dose of AstraZeneca without developing this rare side effect you should receive your second dose.

Doctors are now very aware of this rare side effect and have clear protocols for diagnosis and most importantly, treatment. There have been 60 confirmed and probable cases of TTP in Australia, with two deaths. 

Please don’t let this development deter you from getting vaccinated – health experts continue to recommend that all adults get vaccinated against COVID. The Australian population remains highly vulnerable to COVID-19 as most Australians have not been vaccinated and are not immune. 

If you have any concerns please discuss this with your GP.

Please see the Department of Health website for more information as well as the media release from Health Minister Greg Hunt.