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WNSW PHN Encourages Local Residents to Check their COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility

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Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is encouraging local residents to check their eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccination as more deliveries of the vaccine arrive in the region.

Deliveries have steadily increased during Phase 1b of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout plan, and WNSW PHN Acting CEO, Robert Strickland, says now is the time for those eligible under Phase 1b to make an appointment and get vaccinated.

“While we thank everyone for their patience during the first weeks of Phase 1b while vaccination availability was limited, deliveries into our region have made it much more convenient for people to start making their appointment now, and I encourage those eligible to do so.”

Mr Strickland added, “We will also see the age limit in the rollout decrease to those 50 years and over in coming weeks.”

Local residents are encouraged to check their COVID-19 Vaccination eligibility and make an appointment online at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility, or by talking to their GP.

A list of all Western NSW Aboriginal Medical Services, Respiratory Clinics and General Practices participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout can be found here.

Australia’s medical experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed the data available on the incidence of rare blood clots after COVID-19 vaccination. 

There has been a link established between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a very rare but serious side effect called thrombosis in combination with thrombocytopenia. 

There is a very low chance of this side effect, which may occur in around 4-6 people in every million after being vaccinated with AstraZeneca. This rate is lower than the natural background occurrence of a blood clot in people who have not received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

People under the age of 50 should discuss with their doctor, nurse, or immunisation provider whether they can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. Their doctor will weigh the potential risks against the benefits they expect the vaccine may have.

As a result, ATAGI has recommended that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred for people under the age of 50. However, the Pfizer vaccine is not currently available as part of Phase 1b in Western NSW but is expected to become available locally during the second half of 2021.

More information on the ATAGI advice regarding the COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccine can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/about-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine.