Covid vaccine rollout: Who is eligible and when you can get it

Who can get the vaccine? Which vaccine can I get? When can you get it? What is the risk of blood clots? Here are the answers.

Any Australian can now get the AstraZeneca jab, while those aged 40 to 60 are able to get the Pfizer vaccine under an expansion of the rollout.

People aged over 60 will be prioritised for the AstraZeneca vaccine, but changes to indemnity now mean anyone can ask their GP to get the jab if they understand the very low risk of a blood clot.

The extension of the rollout still depends on vaccine supply, but with about a million doses of AstraZeneca arriving a week, it is likely the faster option for younger Australians who don’t want to wait until October when more Pfizer is due to arrive.

Australians aged under 40 who work in priority sectors like health care, defence and police are eligible for the Pfizer jab, as are all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 18 and 39.

Hundreds of GP clinics will transition to delivering Pfizer as supplies increase over July to an average of 600,000 a week divided evenly between states and territories.

Who can get the AstraZeneca vaccine?

All age groups can now get AstraZeneca.

Which is the ATAGI advice?

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation says for people under the age of 60, Pfizer is the preferred vaccine. This advice has remained unchanged despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison allows anyone to get the AstraZeneca jab under a no-fault indemnity scheme.

Where can I get AstraZeneca in NSW?

Over 60s can get the jab at hospitals, through GP, respiratory clinics and at vaccination hubs. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said under 40s can only get the vaccine via their GP.

What is the risk of blood clots from AstraZeneca?

There is a rare risk. The latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation said the risk was:

• Under 50: 3.1 per 100,000 first doses
• 50-50: 2.7 per 100,000 first doses
• 60-69: 1.4 per 100,000 first doses
• 70-79: 1.8 per 100,000 first doses
• 80+: 1.9 per 100,000 first doses

What are the states saying about the new changes?

Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk both told Queenslanders to follow the ATAGI recommendations and get Pfizer if they are under 60.

“I do not want under-40s to get AstraZeneca,” Dr Young said.

WA Premier Mark McGowan also urged people to stick to health advice against the Commonwealth’s view: “That is the national advice from the immunisation experts … Clearly, the Commonwealth has taken a different approach.”

Victoria health Minister Martin Foley said they are seeking further clarification from the Morrison government on the new guidelines and said the decision was not made in national cabinet.

“What we clearly need is just this degree of certainty around the indemnity, more supply, and then we‘ll get on with it,” Mr Foley said.

Tasmania health department secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks had the same approach as NSW, where under 40s can get the vaccine through their GP but through state-run clinics.

South Australian CHO Nicola Spurrier said the decision was up to patients: “It’s the patient’s choice, if they have had a robust discussion with their GP and understand the risk, it is their decision’.”