<p><strong>The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) issued a statement on 8 April recommending that the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine in adults aged under 50 years. </strong></p>
<p>This recommendation is based on the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination) and a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 50 years.</p>
<p>On Tuesday 13 April, the Therapeutic Goods Administration released a <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/nrlGCJyBN1SPZjYSVz6Kpz?domain=health.us19.list-manage.com">statement</a> on the second case of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia in Australia, following an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, also released a <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/HGXZCK1DLGi0ORnhMAMVg3?domain=health.us19.list-manage.com">statement</a> reiterating the safety of all Australians is the Department of Health’s number one priority.<br /></p>

<p>COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits. The Australian Government Department of Health published <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/T8VLCE8w0yiKLZDCNNcDEd?domain=health.us19.list-manage.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information about the AstraZeneca vaccine</a> to help patients make informed decisions.</p>
<p>People who have had the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca without serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.</p>
<p>The Australian Government Department of Health has also published information on <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/u6jZCZY1zgsylWNfzEM41j?domain=health.us19.list-manage.com">managing AstraZeneca excess doses</a>. This is for general practice, GP-led Respiratory Clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.</p>
<p>Queensland Health has amended the relevant information and forms on the <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/novel-coronavirus-qld-clinicians/covid-19-vaccination-information-for-healthcare-workers">COVID-19 vaccination information for healthcare workers website</a>
to reflect the changes and assist HHS vaccination clinics. Please visit the link above to access these updated forms, including:</p>
<ul><li>COVID-19 Additional and Temporary Pre-Vaccination Screening Questions</li><li>COVID-19 Patient Information Sheet (Patient Resource)</li><li>COVID-19 Vaccination Clinician Decision Support Guide</li><li>COVID-19 Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) Reporting Form. </li></ul>
<p>Please note that new clinical information and data is being released and the above advice will be amended as required.</p>