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COVID-19 vaccination in Australia
Thankfully, our collective efforts have led to real progress with managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new daily reported cases in Australia has remained relatively low since September 2020 [1].
So the next obvious step in protecting our population is vaccination – in addition to hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks.
You probably have a few important questions by this stage. Let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked.
So the next obvious step in protecting our population is vaccination – in addition to hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks.
You probably have a few important questions by this stage. Let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked.
Image by tigerlily713 from Pixabay
Q: Where I can find out more about the issue of brain clots with AstraZeneca versus Pfizer vaccines?
A: The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released advice on 8 April 2021. The paper concludes:
ATAGI notes further evidence of a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis (clotting) with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) following receipt of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
ATAGI recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer (Comirnaty) is preferred over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in adults aged under 50 years. This recommendation is based on the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination) and a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 50 years.
COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
People who have had the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.
Q: What is the planned rollout in Australia?
A: There are five planned phases, as follows:
The first phase, 1a, consists of quarantine and border workers, priority frontline healthcare workers, aged care and disability care staff and residents.
The second phase, 1b, consists of those aged 70 and over, other healthcare workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people > 55 years, younger adults with an underlying medical condition or disability, and critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing.
The third phase, 2a, includes adults aged 50-69 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18- 54 years, and other critical and high risk workers.
The fourth phase, 2b, includes any other unvaccinated adults and anyone who missed vaccination in the earlier phases.
The fifth and final phase, 3, will be those aged under 18 years, if this is the recommendation [2].
A: The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released advice on 8 April 2021. The paper concludes:
ATAGI notes further evidence of a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis (clotting) with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) following receipt of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
ATAGI recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer (Comirnaty) is preferred over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in adults aged under 50 years. This recommendation is based on the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination) and a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 50 years.
COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
People who have had the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.
Q: What is the planned rollout in Australia?
A: There are five planned phases, as follows:
The first phase, 1a, consists of quarantine and border workers, priority frontline healthcare workers, aged care and disability care staff and residents.
The second phase, 1b, consists of those aged 70 and over, other healthcare workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people > 55 years, younger adults with an underlying medical condition or disability, and critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing.
The third phase, 2a, includes adults aged 50-69 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18- 54 years, and other critical and high risk workers.
The fourth phase, 2b, includes any other unvaccinated adults and anyone who missed vaccination in the earlier phases.
The fifth and final phase, 3, will be those aged under 18 years, if this is the recommendation [2].
Q: What vaccines will be available in Australia?
A: We have received the first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 20 million doses have been secured by the Government.
In addition, the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be manufactured in Broadmeadows, Victoria. Both of these vaccines have received TGA approval.
Australia have also entered into agreements for supply with Novavax and COVAX, if they are deemed safe and effective [3].
Vaccines are only made available once they pass TGA approval (Therapeutic Goods Administration being the Government’s health regulatory agency).
Q: How effective and safe are the different vaccines?
A: The Pfizer vaccine was shown in trials to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 after receiving the two-dose course (shots given 21 days apart), whether the recipient is aged 16 or over 65 [4]. There is insufficient data to prove benefit from a single dose [5].
Side effects are usually mild and last a few days at the most. The most common adverse effects are: pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, chills, joint pain, and fever.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be given 4-12 weeks apart [6] and has a reported efficacy of 63% [7]. Side effects appear similar to those of the Pfizer vaccine i.e. injection-site tenderness/pain, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, feeling unwell, fever, chills, joint pain and nausea. Most of these reactions were mild to moderate in severity and also resolved within a few days [8].
It’s recommended to take paracetamol if you do get side effects, if you need to.
More information on the Pfizer vaccine can be found on this webpage by the Department of Health, or here (please note this is a US website but has excellent information).
More information on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine can be found on this webpage by the Department of Health, or this webpage by the World Health Organization.
A: We have received the first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 20 million doses have been secured by the Government.
In addition, the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be manufactured in Broadmeadows, Victoria. Both of these vaccines have received TGA approval.
Australia have also entered into agreements for supply with Novavax and COVAX, if they are deemed safe and effective [3].
Vaccines are only made available once they pass TGA approval (Therapeutic Goods Administration being the Government’s health regulatory agency).
Q: How effective and safe are the different vaccines?
A: The Pfizer vaccine was shown in trials to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 after receiving the two-dose course (shots given 21 days apart), whether the recipient is aged 16 or over 65 [4]. There is insufficient data to prove benefit from a single dose [5].
Side effects are usually mild and last a few days at the most. The most common adverse effects are: pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, chills, joint pain, and fever.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be given 4-12 weeks apart [6] and has a reported efficacy of 63% [7]. Side effects appear similar to those of the Pfizer vaccine i.e. injection-site tenderness/pain, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, feeling unwell, fever, chills, joint pain and nausea. Most of these reactions were mild to moderate in severity and also resolved within a few days [8].
It’s recommended to take paracetamol if you do get side effects, if you need to.
More information on the Pfizer vaccine can be found on this webpage by the Department of Health, or here (please note this is a US website but has excellent information).
More information on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine can be found on this webpage by the Department of Health, or this webpage by the World Health Organization.
Q: What should I do if I am pregnant, planning pregnancy or breast feeding?
A: Essentially, if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, the latest advice is that it appears to be safe to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are pregnant, it is a decision worth discussing with your doctor, as there is little data about the outcomes of women who receive the vaccine while pregnant. On the other hand, it seems that pregnant women have an increased risk of complications such as higher rates of admission to intensive care or having their babies prematurely. More severe illness from COVID-19 is also seen in pregnant women over the age of 35, overweight, or who have certain medical conditions. This leaflet has some useful information to help with the question of vaccination.
The Australian Government Department of Health has a great webpage here to answer many more popular questions.
A: Essentially, if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, the latest advice is that it appears to be safe to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are pregnant, it is a decision worth discussing with your doctor, as there is little data about the outcomes of women who receive the vaccine while pregnant. On the other hand, it seems that pregnant women have an increased risk of complications such as higher rates of admission to intensive care or having their babies prematurely. More severe illness from COVID-19 is also seen in pregnant women over the age of 35, overweight, or who have certain medical conditions. This leaflet has some useful information to help with the question of vaccination.
The Australian Government Department of Health has a great webpage here to answer many more popular questions.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
And finally, for an informative and lively debate on COVID vaccines, I recommend this recent episode of ABC's Q&A. Topics included effectiveness of different vaccines at preventing breakthrough cases, what evidence we have so far for new variants to be covered by these vaccines, herd immunity, and more passionately argued topics. #ABCqanda
Panellists:
Nick Coatsworth, Federal Government infectious diseases advisor;
Sharon Lewin, Leading infectious diseases expert and Director of the Doherty Institute;
Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Associate director, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering; and
Tony Blakely, Epidemiologist, University of Melbourne.
Panellists:
Nick Coatsworth, Federal Government infectious diseases advisor;
Sharon Lewin, Leading infectious diseases expert and Director of the Doherty Institute;
Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Associate director, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering; and
Tony Blakely, Epidemiologist, University of Melbourne.
References
- WHO Health Emergency Dashboard. Australia: WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard [Internet]. covid19.who.int. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 16]. Available from: https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/au
- Australian Government. Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy [Internet]. Australian Government Department of Health. ; 2021 Jan [cited 2021 Feb 16] p. 1–5. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/01/australia-s-covid-19-vaccine-national-roll-out-strategy.pdf
- Australian Government Department of Health. Australia’s vaccine agreements [Internet]. Australian Government Department of Health. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 16]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/node/18777/australias-vaccine-agreements
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Questions | CDC [Internet]. www.cdc.gov. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/pfizer-bioNTech-faqs.html
- Australian Government. Information on COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine [Internet]. ; 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/02/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-pfizer-comirnaty-vaccine_2.pdf
- Australian Government Department of Health. About the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine [Internet]. Australian Government Department of Health. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/about-the-oxfordastrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine#can-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-get-vaccinated
- World Health Organization. The Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know [Internet]. www.who.int. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-oxford-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know
- UK Government Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Coronavirus vaccine - weekly summary of Yellow Card reporting [Internet]. GOV.UK. 2021 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-reactions/coronavirus-vaccine-summary-of-yellow-card-reporting
Free asthma toolkit & a reminder on thunderstorm asthmaDid you know that around 1 in 10 Australians have asthma?
The symptoms of asthma vary between individuals, including cough, tight chest, wheeze and breathlessness. Some people have mild and infrequent symptoms, whereas others experience daily symptoms and/or severe attacks. It is useful to work out your potential triggers, such as cold weather, exercise or hay fever, as taking daily preventer treatment in consultation with your GP can help you to manage your symptoms well. The risk of poorly controlled asthma includes not having a great quality of life, being more prone to serious chest infections and attacks, or being unprepared for thunderstorm asthma. Thunderstorm asthma can occur with little warning when the weather is hot, dry and windy with a consequent high pollen count, with broken up pollen grains causing even more allergic asthma attacks. It tends to occur in spring or summer. It is a serious matter - in 2016, over 3,000 people had to attend Emergency departments and 10 people sadly died. Asthma Australia has some useful info here about thunderstorm asthma, and they recommend seeing your GP 6 weeks before the pollen season to start preventers. Finally, Asthma Australia also offer a free toolkit full of information including asthma basics (including the best way to use an inhaler and spacer), asthma emergencies, smoking, and pregnancy. Plus they also have apps to help you manage your asthma well. And if you need to speak to someone, they have asthma educators available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). Info on thunderstorm language is also available in other languages here. |
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Most shared post!How to stay grounded during CoronavirusIs the Coronavirus pandemic affecting your mental health? Has your usual routine has gone out of the window? Do you feel like you’ve lost direction?
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This is a great collection of practical tips produced by a collaboration between various mental health bodies, to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during #COVID19
#GettingThroughThisTogether |
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Coronavirus: Help for stress and anxiety
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Feeling sad, overwhelmed or stressed out?
You are now able to access even more psychological support than ever. In March 2020, new Medicare rebates were introduced to enable people to access up to 10 bulk-billed psychological services by telephone or video call. As of 7th August 2020, the Australian Government extended the number to allow a further 10 subsidised sessions, subject to GP review and if public health orders (issued at any time from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021):
Note: These extra sessions are available until 31st March 2021. If you are feeling stressed or anxious in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, you are not alone. It is hard to get away from the constant media, ever-changing government updates and restrictions on our way of life. Reduced social contact, temporary closure of community hubs, worries about our jobs and our children's schooling are just some of the concerns that can affect our mental health. As well as consulting with your GP, here are some other places you can get help. The Black Dog Institute offers links to resources to help you look after your mental health. It includes guided meditations, relaxation techniques, and fact sheets including how to support and reassure young people. And they have even produced a customisable self-care plan which is full of tips and advice. More support services* are listed below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mental health information and support for all Australians. Support includes phone, online chat, email and forum. MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 As well as free phone counselling, you can access free online chat and video counselling. Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Eheadspace 1800 650 890 Online and telephone support and counselling for 12 - 25 year olds, their families and friends. |
Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexela
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Coronavirus: Info and Resources
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Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause the common cold, and more seriously illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain in humans, which researchers believe may have been passed to humans by exposure to bats or pangolins, following genomic sequencing. On 20 January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed the novel coronavirus was spreading person-to-person. The first case in Australia was confirmed on 23 January 2020, You can find more, including how to reduce your risk of exposure, who should get tested and what to do you if you feel unwell on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services website or you can ring the 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. For advice on who should self-isolate and how, see here. For up-to-date travel advice, see here. Testing is recommended in people who display the following symptoms:
Fever OR chills in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that explains the clinical presentation OR Acute respiratory infection that is characterised by runny nose, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or loss of sense of smell/taste. The Australian Department of Health particularly recommends testing for people with symptoms if:
After testing you MUST stay at home until you have a negative COVID result AND your symptoms have cleared. iF YOU ARE NOT SURE, CLICK BELOW TO USE THE SYMPTOM CHECKER WHICH WILL HELP YOU DECIDE IF YOU NEED TESTING. IT WILL ALSO TAKE YOU TO A LIST OF GP'S WHO ARE SEEING PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS. If you are looking for your nearest Covid-19 testing clinics, here is a list of links from healthdirect:
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Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
For daily Covid-19 updates, click here*:*Links to Department of Health website in new window
United Nations COVID-19 Response@unitednations
You should also get tested if you have headache, muscle aches, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea and:
Photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com
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COVID-19 Restriction CheckerFind out what you can and can't do in your state or territory here.
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Created by starline - www.freepik.com
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COVIDSafe appThe COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary, and is designed to help manual contact tracing (identifying those who have been in close contact with a positive case). You can read more about it and download the app here.
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Image from Australian Government Department of Health website
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For more health information and tips, come and check out my Blog where we look at who can give blood and what happens to donations, insider secrets on getting the best out of your GP, online mental health support and more.
And finally another reminder, if you need a health writer who happens to have medical qualifications, please contact me today via my Health Writer Service page. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you.
Feel free to email me for non-medical matters using the Contact Form.
And finally another reminder, if you need a health writer who happens to have medical qualifications, please contact me today via my Health Writer Service page. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you.
Feel free to email me for non-medical matters using the Contact Form.
© 2020 Dr Alice Lam. ABN 62 440 081 830
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for individual consultation with a qualified physician.
All content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for individual consultation with a qualified physician.
