The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently updated its advice regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine:
"In the context of the current risk of COVID-19 in NSW and with the ongoing constraints on Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine supplies, all adults in greater Sydney should strongly consider the benefits of earlier protection with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca rather than waiting for alternative vaccines.
A single dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca partially reduces transmission by around half and therefore may also benefit close contacts and the community.
A second reason for ATAGI to recommend that individuals strongly consider vaccination at this time is emerging data about severity of disease. The Delta variant may be more severe than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. The proportion of people less than 60 years requiring hospitalisation appears to be higher than was reported in outbreaks with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. This reinforces the benefit of protection with any available vaccine.
People considering vaccination should be informed of the benefits and risks and give informed consent."
I encourage those under 60 who have not yet been vaccinated to speak to their GP and strongly consider the AstraZeneca vaccine if your GP advises you it is ok to do so.
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