What safety fears? Young and old line up for AstraZeneca vaccine

Sydney patients young and old have continued to take the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine, as NSW resumed rolling it out to people over the age of 50 on Friday.

Despite weeks of conflicting claims about the safety of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab — with various countries suspending or limiting access — it seems many Australians are not concerned about the risk of blood clots.

It follows a UK survey finding most people there still supported this vaccine.

Ken Ng, 26, had the AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday, despite the warnings for people aged under 50. Picture: Tim Hunter

Pharmacist Ken Ng got his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday morning at a Belmore GP clinic, despite state health authorities suspending the administration of the vaccine across their clinics the same day for ­people under the age of 50.

“I’m a registered pharmacist and I work in a methadone clinic,” Mr Ng, 26, said.

“I’m not really concerned about the side effects because all the medications have very rare side effects.

“Even normal blood pressure and cholesterol medication has (potential) serious side effects.

“The risk is a very small one. I have felt no side effects other than some sore muscles. I’m happy I got it because this morning they were saying it was suspended.”

Dr Jamal Rifi administers the AstraZeneca vaccine to Abdul Ghazal 71. Picture: Tim Hunter

The pharmacist said he had heard reports of 79 cases of clotting overseas among vaccine recipients but was not deterred and it was “only a couple in millions”.

Mr Ng said his job and desire to travel were the driving forces in getting the vaccine.

“I wanted to get it because we still don’t know when travel restrictions will lift, so I want to have my first dose. I still need to do the second dose,” he said.

“I meet lots of people for my job so that is why it is important to get the vaccine.”

NSW RESUMES ASTRAZENECA VACCINE ROLLOUT FOR OVER 50S

COVID clinics across the state have resumed rolling out the AstraZeneca jab to people over the age of 50 after a temporary suspension on Friday morning.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the roll out for the older age group was back on after a temporary pause to inform clinicians of the new changes.

“The only reason we took a pause this morning was to update all of our clinicians, update all of our workers to make sure they had the latest advice which came out very late yesterday evening,” she said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian receives the AstraZeneca vaccine in March.

“From Monday, those under 50 who wish to receive the jab will be able to do so with “informed consent”.

“Obviously that paperwork and that advice will depend on the Commonwealth information which will be updated I understand today and over the weekend.”

Earlier on Friday, state-run COVID clinics suspended the administration of the AstraZeneca jab across all age groups.

“NSW Health notes the statement and recommendations issued last night (Thursday) from the Commonwealth Government and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine,” it said on Friday morning.

“As with all other vaccines, informed consent is required before administering COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring recipients make decisions based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.”

They confirmed the Pfizer vaccine will continue to be administered as planned at NSW Health Clinic but could not advise what the new rules mean for the state’s COVID-19 vaccination hubs.

“We can’t provide full details as yet,” the spokesman said when asked if vaccination hubs will provide Pfizer vaccines from here onwards.

The Federal Health Department did not reveal the mechanisms of how Australians under 50s can access the Pfizer vaccine.

“The Commonwealth is working with each state and territory to provide the correct vaccine in these specific cases, based on medical advice,” a spokeswoman said.

SYDNEY COVID FLIGHT ALERT

NSW Health has confirmed an American Airlines flight that was due to depart Sydney this morning was postponed due to a possible COVID-19 case in a flight crew member.

The crew member was tested as part of routine surveillance.

They are currently in Special Health Accommodation.

NSW Health is awaiting urgent blood test results to determine if this potential case is an historical case.

Other flight crew who were on the same flight as this possible case are considered close contacts and are currently in police managed hotel accommodation, and there is no risk to the broader community.