A LOXTON doctor is encouraging locals who have already had one AstraZeneca vaccine to continue with their second dose.
Last week, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) changed the recommendation for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
While AstraZeneca was originally recommended for people aged over 50, Pfizer is now preferred for those aged under 60.
Loxton’s Dr Peter Hamilton said despite the update, people aged between 50 and 60 should continue with their vaccine schedule.
“The advice is that if you have gotten through the first shot without any complications, it is highly likely you are going to get through the second OK,” he said.
“The recommendation is that if you’ve had one AstraZeneca, you should have the second, regardless of what age you are.
“If you haven’t had any vaccines up to this stage, then it would be reasonable to wait for the Pfizer if you are under 60.”
The recommendation was revised due to a higher risk and observed severity of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome related to the use of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine observed in Australia in the 50 to 59-year-old age group.
“The rates of clots over 60 are still quite low,” Dr Hamilton said.
An ATAGI statement said for people aged 60 and over, the individual benefits of receiving a Covid-19 vaccine are greater than in younger people.
“The risks of severe outcomes with Covid-19 increase with age and are particularly high in older, unvaccinated individuals,” the statement said.
“The benefit of vaccination in preventing Covid-19 with Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca outweighs the risk of thrombocytopenia syndrome in this age group and underpins its ongoing use in this age group.”
Dr Hamilton said the Loxton Health Centre is receiving numerous calls each day related to Covid vaccinations.
“We have never had more phone calls,” he said.
“Telephone traffic has been enormous.”
For more information, visit the website (health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines).