Australians aged 60 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as AstraZeneca.
The change came into effect this week. All 3 Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved COVID-19 vaccines are now available to:
- everyone aged 12-plus for Moderna and Pfizer
- everyone aged 18-plus for AstraZeneca.
Previously, it was recommended only Australians aged 60 and older receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, due to the heightened risk of side effects from the vaccine in younger people.
Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said this week’s change gave people more vaccine options and meant there should be no barrier to older Australians getting vaccinated.
Mr Hunt estimated there could be more than 300,000 Australians in the 60-plus age group who had been holding off getting the jab, due to their concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine.
‘Our view has always been that we have an outstanding world-class vaccine in AstraZeneca, which has been made available in over 170 countries and has been the backbone of the UK program,’ he said.
‘It is what has allowed us to get to over 94.6 per cent of over-70s who are vaccinated in Australia and has saved, not just hundreds, but I suspect many more lives than that.
‘Having said that, this is the opportunity for every person over 60 to come forward, no matter what previous hesitation they may have had.
‘Have confidence in these vaccines. These vaccines, whether it’s AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, any one of them, can save your life and it can save and protect the lives of those around you as well.
‘So, please don’t wait. Please don’t hesitate. Please come forward. That’s the message to our over-60s, but it’s the message to every Australian.’
The Vaccine Clinic Finder has been updated to reflect the change.