SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

CHILDREN

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is not approved for people younger than 18 years of age.

ADULTS UNDER 60 YEARS

There is a link between COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS).

The recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults under 60 years old who have not already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. This is due to a potentially higher risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia in people aged under 60 who receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years where the benefits outweigh the risk for that individual, and the person has made an informed decision, considering the benefits and risks. People who have had the first dose of AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects, can be given the second dose. This includes people aged under 60.

It is important to note that the AstraZeneca vaccine is highly effective at preventing death and severe illness in people who have aquired COVID-19.

If you are under 60, and considering being vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, your usual GP can help you to assess the benefits and risks of vaccination.

PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

Pregnant women are not routinely recommended to have COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, but can consider vaccination:

  • If they are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, for example, due to their occupation.
  • If they have risk factors for severe illness, for example, due to pre-existing medical conditions.

If you are pregnant, your usual GP can help you to assess the benefits and risks of vaccination.

If you are breastfeeding, you can have COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.

A Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy is available here.

IMMUNOCOMPROMISE

Immunocompromised people include those who have a medical condition that weakens their immune system and those who may be taking medications that suppress their immune system.

It is strongly recommended that immunocompromised people receive COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca does not behave like a ‘live vaccine’. The adenovirus carrier has been modified so that it cannot replicate or spread to other cells, and it cannot cause infection. It is safe in people with immunocompromise. However, the immune response to vaccination may be reduced, which may result in lower vaccine effectiveness and protection compared with that in non-immunocompromised individuals. This emphasises the importance for immunocompromised people to continue other preventative measures after vaccination.

A Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for people with immunocompromise is available here.

A HISTORY OF COVID-19

A history of COVID-19, may reduce the risk of reinfection for at least 6 months from the time of infection. If you have had COVID-19 in the past, discuss this with your usual GP prior to immunisation. You may advised to wait for up to six months after recovery before being vaccinated.