Senator Same McMahon calls on NT Government to halt Astra Zeneca rollout to under 50s

NT SENATOR Sam McMahon has called on the Territory Government to suspend the Astra Zeneca vaccine for people under the age of 50 after a woman was admitted to hospital with a rare blood clotting condition.

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NT SENATOR Sam McMahon has called on the Territory Government to suspend the Astra Zeneca vaccine for people under the age of 50 after a woman was admitted to hospital with a rare blood clotting condition.

Ms McMahon said the NT should follow other jurisdictions and suspend the rollout due to blood clotting concerns.

“The blood clotting condition has been linked to the Astra Zeneca vaccine in Australia and several overseas countries,” she said.

“The Victorian Government has moved on the issue and advised that the Astra Zeneca vaccine should not be administered to eligible people under the age of 50.

“The West Australian Government has also suspended the rollout of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for the same reasons and the Northern Territory Government should do the same.

“The Gunner Labor Government needs to be sure the vaccine is safe for people under 50 and has a duty of care to the people of the Territory to ensure their lives are not put in jeopardy, by using it on people under the age of 50.”

Ms McMahon also called on the NT government to explain “why it has taken so long for the public to be advised of the woman’s admission to RDH, as she was diagnosed with clotting in late March.”

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The NT News understands officials are meeting this afternoon to discuss the future of the vaccine rollout in the Territory.

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