<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>The updated advice for COVID-19 vaccines in Australia is:</p>
<ul><li><strong>Adults aged under 50 years</strong> should receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can still be used if:<ul><li>you have already received your first dose without any serious side effects, or</li><li>the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for you, and you have made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Adults over the age of 50</strong> are recommended to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This is based both on the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age (and thus increased benefit of vaccination) and the potentially lower risk of blood clots with increasing age.</li></ul>
<p>The Australian Government Department of Health published <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-weighing-up-the-potential-benefits-against-risk-of-harm-from-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information about the AstraZeneca vaccine</a> to help patients make informed decisions.<br /></p>

<p>The Australian Government Department of Health has also published information on <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/information-for-covid-19-vaccination-providers/covid-19-vaccine-clinical-considerations#astrazeneca-excess-dose-policy-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>