Andrew Wilkie concerned Pfizer is only Covid vaccination choice for constituent

A Tasmanian MP is worried a constituent has no choice over her next Covid vaccination as she prepares to go to hospital. Read the health department’s response.

The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

The federal member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, has written to the health minister saying it is “disturbing” that Pfizer is now the only Covid vaccine available in Australia under the national immunisation program.

In a letter to minister Mark Butler, he said he had been contacted by a local constituent who told him she had an allergic reaction to Pfizer and Moderna was “the only option she can safely use”.

“The constituent is due to be hospitalised for multiple procedures and requires vaccination as she is asthmatic and has been warned that Covid is rife in both hospitals and the community,” Mr Wilkie wrote.

“I am puzzled as to why the government has limited the availability of vaccines to only one brand and seek a solution for my constituent.”

Andrew Wilkie. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Aged Care said supply of Moderna and Novavax’s original Covid vaccines “have been exhausted and are no longer manufactured”.

He said decisions regarding Covid vaccines were based on the expert advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

“The Department of Health and Aged Care has entered into multiple agreements to ensure the supply of Covid vaccines and has secured sufficient doses for Australia’s needs.

“The Pfizer JN. 1 Covid vaccine has been available through the National Covid Vaccine Program from 9 December 2024, in addition to the Pfizer XBB. 1.5 vaccines which are available in Australia which have been shown to be effective against JN.1.

“Supply of Moderna and Novavax’s original Covid vaccines have been exhausted and are no longer manufactured.

“Moderna’s JN. 1 submission is currently under consideration, and subject to regulatory approvals supply is anticipated from onshore production in mid-2025.

“Novavax is preparing their submission, which has not yet been provided to the TGA. Supply is anticipated in mid-2025.”

Mr Wilkie said he was pro-vaccination and people should have a choice on which Covid vaccine they wanted.

“If the government wants to lift vaccination rates they need to offer a choice.

“I’m sure she’s (constituent) is the tip of iceberg.”

The woman, who also contacted the Mercury, said she had heart issues when she had a Pfizer vaccination and was fearful of having another one.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Toby Gardner said he did not believe there was an increased risk of myocarditis with Pfizer and that all vaccinations were very similar.

A pharmacist suggested the woman contact her cardiologist to assess the risk.

Originally published as Andrew Wilkie concerned Pfizer is only Covid vaccination choice for constituent