Sunshine Coast doctor warns Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy setting across the region

A Sunshine Coast doctor with “plenty” of Covid-19 vaccines has seen a significant decline in the number of people wanting to get the jab in recent weeks. SEE HOW YOU CAN GET VACCINATED

A Sunshine Coast medical clinic is lucky to vaccinate a dozen people a week as doctors worry rates are rapidly declining despite having stocks of AstraZeneca.

Dr Roger Faint believes vaccine hesitancy is behind the decline as numbers of people wanting to get the jab at his Buderim clinic drop.

According to federal data, 21.2 per cent of Sunshine Coast residents are fully vaccinated and 41.2 per cent have received their first dose.

Buderim Marketplace Medical Centre general practitioner and Australian Medical Association Sunshine Coast president Dr Faint said there was an “obvious” decline.

He said when the rollout started his clinic would vaccinate about 100 people a week.

“We’re not doing enough (vaccinations),” he said.

“We’re coming through the second phase of AstraZeneca – so a lot of people who had theirs three months ago are coming back in for their second dose.

Barbara and Peter Freney received their Covid-19 vaccination at Buderim Marketplace Medical Centre on Thursday by registered nurse Ramona Connie Picture: Patrick Woods.

“But not enough people are coming in to get their first dose, people are waiting because they have this hesitancy about it or they’re waiting for Pfizer.”

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Pfizer as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to 59, but said the AstraZeneca can be provided to those aged 18 to 59.

It comes as a 34-year-old woman from NSW has died after a severe form of blood clotting following the AstraZeneca jab.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration confirmed the death in its weekly safety report.

The woman had her first dose of AstraZeneca and died on Wednesday, the TGA said.

“The TGA extends its sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are in close communication with NSW health who are undertaking further investigation of this case,” it said.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles on Thursday confirmed that the federal government would bring forward the delivery of Pfizer vaccines by one month to Queensland.

Chief health officer doctor Jeannette Young said she expected the first batch to arrive next week and the remainder within a fortnight.

She said they would plan where to focus the delivery of Pfizer.

Dr Faint said the uptake would be different if Pfizer was available.

“It’s a real challenge,” he said.

“Some people in their 60s who are done with waiting (for Pfizer) have started to come in because they realise they have no other option right now.

“It’s dropped off significantly … it’s really obvious.

“I know that if we had Pfizer we’d have people coming in straight away.”