The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has released a statement clarifying the dosage interval for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in the context of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Key points include:
- The recommended interval between first and second doses of AstraZeneca is between 4 and 12 weeks.
- In non-outbreak situations, the preferred interval between doses remains at 12 weeks.
- In outbreak situations, an interval of between 4 and 8 weeks is preferred.
- People in an outbreak situation (e.g. currently Greater Sydney) who received their first dose more than 4 weeks ago are advised to contact their vaccine provider to arrange their second dose as soon as possible.
Given that the North Coast is not in an outbreak situation, the advice remains for a 12-week interval for AstraZeneca in our region.
Recommendations around the use of Comirnaty (Pfizer) remain unchanged in outbreak settings.
Professor Paul Kelly has written to all general practitioners to provide them with the updated statement. Professor Kelly’s letter also provides updated information about thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome.
As the current outbreak in Greater Sydney evolves, regional NSW should be on high alert. Advice can change quickly and frequently, and it is important to check the NSW Health website for the latest COVID-19 updates.
HealthPathways offers a comprehensive COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure pathway, and includes clear alerts when there are updates to clinical guidance.
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