East Grampians Health Services has altered its COVID-19 vaccine roll out following concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine's safety.
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The AstraZeneca vaccine has temporarily been suspended for those under 50 years of age, based on the Australian Technical Advisory Group's advice on Immunisation.
East Grampians Health Services' rural vaccine clinics will continue as scheduled. But chief executive Andrew Freeman the healthcare provider, had made new arrangements to adjust to the department's advice.
"It obviously changes our plans because under 50s are a reasonable cohort of the people we need to vaccinate," he said.
"We've been fortunate enough to be advised that we are getting some Pfizer vaccinations next week, so we'll be able to offer that to our under 50, 1A staff next Wednesday and Thursday.
"That's really positive as it keeps the momentum of the vaccine going."
Mr Freeman said East Grampians Health Services aimed to keep those who have already received the AstraZeneca vaccine well-informed.
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"We've been communicating what information we've been getting through the authorities and the commonwealth," he said.
"If you've had the first vaccination and you had no adverse side-effects, then it's safe to have the second vaccine, even if you're under 50.
"We've provided that information to staff, and we're hoping that all people under 1A and 1B who are available will come and have their second dose that they've completed the course.
Mr Freeman said any side effects from the vaccine would likely occur within about 20 days of receiving it.
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A 12-week gap is left between AstraZeneca doses, meaning people should know by the time they are due for their second dose whether it is safe to proceed.
Mr Freeman said while considerably fewer people now being eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine, East Grampians Health Services did not have an excess of vaccines.
"We don't necessarily have a surplus. We've been ordering through the public health unit the amount we have needed for the week ahead," he said.
"Our infection control coordinator liaises with the Public Health Unit to make sure we have enough vaccines for that week so that we don't have that surplus.
"We'd encourage people, for who it's safe to do so, to come forward and get the vaccination."
For more information, visit eghs.net.au/.
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