Following the recalibration of the vaccine rollout – the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says, once you’re eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, get it.
Health authorities are recommending people under 50 receive the Pfizer vaccine rather than the AstraZeneca vaccine, amid concerns of a link to a small number of blood clot cases.
Practices across Australia are receiving calls from those eligible to receive the vaccine under phase 1b, cancelling their appointments.
“These are uncertain times and I understand why the latest changes to the vaccine rollout may be confusing for some people,” RACGP President, Dr Karen Price says.
“But we must hold the line and keep faith in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
“We won’t be able to protect our community unless people put their hand up to be vaccinated. So, when you are eligible to be vaccinated, I urge you to get vaccinated and discuss with your GP any concerns you have.”
Caution, proves more trust
Dr Prices suggests encouraging friends and family to get the Covid vaccination, as hearing it from a close friend or family member can make a real difference to perspective.
“Say to them that this is still a very safe vaccine and the risk of adverse effects is extremely small. Because we currently have no Covid-19 community transmission in Australia, we can afford to wait to vaccinate people under 50 with another vaccine,” Dr Price explains.
She points out that the fact, “…the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advised against people under the age of 50 receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine because of the extremely low likelihood of adverse side effects highlights just how cautious experts are being with this rollout.”
Dr Price suspects that anti-vaxxers will try and use the shift in vaccine rollout, as an opportunity to spread suspicion over the vaccine.
“We can’t let them get away with this because if people don’t get vaccinated and contract this virus, the consequences can be deadly.”
She also urges the community to remain respectful to those administering the vaccines.
“Let’s all work together, remain calm, ignore anti-vaxxer messaging and get the jab when we are eligible to receive it.”
