Queenslanders urged to strongly consider getting AstraZeneca vaccine

The federal government has urged Queenslanders to ignore their state health chief Jeannette Young and strongly consider getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Australia’s acting chief medical officer Michael Kidd has urged all Queenslanders to strongly consider getting the AstraZeneca vaccine, warning the outbreak now means the benefits outweigh the rare risk of blood clots.

Queensland’s chief health officer Jeannette Young insisted today she was standing firm on her advice that the AstraZeneca vaccine was best for over-60s.

But just hours later, Professor Kidd urged younger Queenslanders to get jabs into arms as soon as they can, warning the outbreak had changed the risk profile.

At a press conference in Canberra, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Prof Kidd said the outbreak in Queensland had “reframed” the expert advice from Australia’s vaccine advisory group ATAGI.

“The benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca are greater than the risk of the rare side effects occurring, in all age groups,” Prof Kidd said.

“What we have is 11 local government areas in southeast Queensland are a Commonwealth hotspot, therefore this meets the definition of a large outbreak.”

On July 24, ATAGI released a statement clarifying the existing advice on the use of AstraZeneca in younger age groups to say it should be taken in consultation with your doctor in response to the NSW outbreak.

“All individuals aged 18 years and above in greater Sydney, including adults under 60 years of age, should strongly consider getting vaccinated with any available vaccine including Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca,” the ATAGI advice states.

“This is on the basis of the increasing risk of Covid-19 and ongoing constraints of Comirnaty (Pfizer) supplies. In addition, people in areas where outbreaks are occurring can receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine four to eight weeks after the first dose, rather than the usual 12 weeks, to bring forward optimal protection.”

A woman receives the AstraZeneca vaccine in Hanoi. Picture: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP

ATAGI has yet to release similar formal advice on the Queensland outbreak.

News.com.au has contacted ATAGI and the Department of Health for comment.

Health Minister Greg Hunt also urged all Queenslanders to get vaccinated as soon as they were eligible.

“In terms of Queensland, our message is the ATAGI advice has been reframed,” he said.

“If you’re over 60, AstraZeneca is the preferred vaccine. If you’re under 60, it is something, in a hotspot, which Michael has set out, in an outbreak area that people should strongly consider.”

Asked whether it was a “mistake” to say people under 60 should not get the jab, Queensland’s Dr Young said the expert advice hadn’t changed.

“I remain firm, they need to — as per the ATAGI and the TGA advice, and advice if you look around the world, they need to — if they think they have a particular risk, immediately go and talk to their own doctor,” she said.

“I said I didn’t want 18-year-olds getting AstraZeneca, and I still don’t.”

Asked again what age groups should take the AstraZeneca vaccine she again said it should be for over-60s.

“Sixty. Please. I don’t know how I can be clearer than this. If you are 60 years of age or older, go and get your first dose of AstraZeneca if you haven’t had it already,” she said.

“Anyone who had the first dose of AstraZeneca, if it is more than eight weeks since you have had that go get your second dose.”

In NSW, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged Australians to get any vaccine they can — in consultation with their doctor.

“If you’re under 40 and want AstraZeneca, please, please check with your GP. If your GP gives you the green light, please get the vaccine. Please, please, come forward and get vaccinated,” she said.