AMA Urges Australians Not To Skip 2nd Astrazeneca Dose

Last Thursday, the federal government advised the recommended age for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to be lifted from 50 to 60 years old. However, the vice-president of the Australian Medical Association is urging all Australians who have received their first dose of AstraZeneca to get their second dose. Dr Chris Moy explained, “The bottom line is the risk of getting a clot from the second dose is one-tenth an already tiny risk on the first one. And you need [the second shot] for long-term protection and to protect yourself from the variants.” The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) backs this advice, as the risk of clots is much lower for the second shot of AstraZeneca.

The ATAGI has been extremely cautious regarding vaccines given the low-COVID environment, but if a significant surge of infections arose, the advice could change rapidly. Without protection from vaccines, we are still vulnerable to large outbreaks. NSW is currently battling a growing outbreak, with masks becoming mandatory on public transport in greater Sydney, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas. Mandatory mask wearing has also been extended to indoor settings for 7 local government areas: Randwick, Bayside, Botany, Inner West, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra.

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