Why the AstraZeneca Vaccine Is No Longer the Preferred Jab for Young Australians

Here’s what you need to know.

Plans for vaccinating every Australian with their dose of a COVID-19 jab have hit a significant hurdle with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing a shake-up to the nation’s rollout plan.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, which was Australia’s preferred COVID-19 treatment up until now, has caused the country’s chief medical leaders to advise the PM that the vaccine may not be suitable for people aged under 50. 

To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about this latest update.

Why are they stopping the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout for under-50s?

Simply put: blood clotting.

Australia’s top vaccine and medical professionals met to discuss the health issues related to the AstraZeneca vaccine. In Europe, regulators have found a possible link between recipients of the vaccine and rare blood clotting issues.

In Australia, a 44-year-old Melbourne man is the only reported case of blood clotting after getting vaccinated.

Though it is a concern, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly (not the musician) said the side-effect is rare.

"It seems to be around four to six per million doses of vaccine usually within 4 to 10 days after that vaccine. But it is serious, and it can cause up to a 25 per cent death rate," he said.

The government has 54 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab and those who have already had it with no reaction are safe to get their second dose, but the Pfizer vaccine is now the preferred option for under-50s.

How can trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine be restored? #QandA pic.twitter.com/KzDOnvm0nz

— QandA (@QandA) April 8, 2021

So, are we just switching to the Pfizer vaccine?

It’s complicated.

The federal government put more of their eggs in the AstraZeneca basket, purchasing 54 million doses. In comparison, they only originally secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 10 million Aussies.

This means that Australia will need to secure more of the Pfizer jab to continue their rollout plan, with conversations underway to increase supply according to Health Department Secretary Brendan Murphy.

"We are confident at some stage in the near future we will get an improved supply of Pfizer," Murphy said.

It’s early days so information regarding a supply increase is scarce but expect this to change soon.

It's clear that far too many eggs were in the AstraZeneca basket

— Natasha Robinson (@NC_Robinson) April 8, 2021

When will I get vaccinated?

The Morrison government’s plan was to have every Aussie jabbed with at least their first dose by October.

With the change to the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, this timeframe is almost certain to be altered with Morrison himself admitting that plans have now changed.

"I think we have to take the time to assess the implications for the program," he said.

"And when we've done that, well, we may be able to form a view. But I don't think anyone should expect that any time soon. This will take some time to work through the implications."

Basically, there's nothing concrete yet but we will keep you updated. In terms of your own vaccination, be sure to checkout the health department’s eligibility site to find out which phase of the rollout you will be in.

How has the rest of Australia reacted?

Not well. We’ve made a compilation below of some of the talk on Twitter.

The vaccine strategy has been a bungle and this will have implications for vaccine hesitancy and that is worrying #auspol

— Patricia Karvelas (@PatsKarvelas) April 8, 2021

What a mess. Australians were already confused and let down by Morrison's slow vaccine rollout. Now it's even more unclear when they'll be able to be immunized. #auspol

— Kate Thwaites (@ThwaitesKate) April 8, 2021

Can we pause for a minute to acknowledge the oral contraceptive pill has a much higher risk of blood clots ... and women have been prescribed it for DECADES. #auspol @10NewsFirst

— Tegan George (@tegangeorge) April 8, 2021

Update [09/04]: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has secured an additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine, however, the batch will not be recieved until the end of 2021.

BREAKING: Australia overnight has secured an extra 20 million Pfizer doses in the final quarter of the year @newscomauHQ

— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) April 9, 2021

Header Image: Lisa Maree Williams / Stringer via Getty Images