CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

For information on Coronavirus COVID-19 visit:  https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 (24 hours)

On 17th June 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released revised recommendations in relation to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Effective immediately, ATAGI advises that Pfizer is preferred over AstraZeneca for those aged 16 to 59 years. This is based on recent data regarding thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) cases in Australia and a reassessment of current age-specific risks and benefits of vaccination.

Following these recommendations, East Grampians Health Services vaccination clinic can now vaccinate the community as follows:

AstraZeneca 

1^st dose

• If you are aged 50-59 years and you have a 1^st dose appointment you will now be offered the Pfizer vaccine. You should attend your appointment as planned.
• If you are aged 50-59 years and you do not have a 1^st dose appointment you must make an appointment before attending the clinic.
• If you are aged 60+ and you have a 1^st dose appointment, attend your appointment as planned. You will be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine.
• If you are aged 60+ and you do not have an appointment you must make an appointment before attending the clinic.

2^nd dose

If you received a 1^st dose of AstraZeneca you can receive a 2^nd dose of AstraZeneca.  If you do not have an appointment please book your 2^nd appointment.

Pfizer

1^st dose

• If you are booked for your 1^st dose of Pfizer, please attend your appointment as planned.
• At the time of writing, new 1^st dose bookings for Pfizer are only available for people in the following categories: Hotel Quarantine staff and Tidewatch; high rise accommodation residents and staff; Red Zone airport and marine port staff; and those with travel exemptions.  

2^nd dose

• If you have a travel exemption please bring supporting paperwork into the clinic and we will book your appointment for you.

• If you are due for your 2^nd dose of Pfizer and don’t have an appointment, please book your appointment.

Booking an appointment

To make an appointment:

Phone 1800 675 398 (selection options 1, 1, 1)

OR

Online https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/

If there are no appointments available via the state-wide booking line or portal, try again in coming days/weeks. More appointments will appear as vaccine supply is made available to our Vaccination clinic.

Check the following websites for updates:

• https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-revised-recommendations-on-the-use-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-17-june-2021

If you have any concerns about the COVID-19 vaccination, please seek advice from your doctor.