Seeming Aware of Controversy Over Thrombus Side Effects
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Australian health authorities have recommended prioritizing the Pfizer vaccine over the AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine for citizens under 50 years old. This measure comes after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently announced a possible link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clot side effects, leading analysts to believe that Australia is also mindful of the controversy surrounding the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
According to major foreign media on the 8th (local time), Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer of the Australian government, stated that healthcare workers will be advised to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to those under 50 only when the health benefits outweigh the risks.
However, Chief Medical Officer Kelly added, "If no serious adverse reactions occurred after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the second dose can be safely administered."
He also mentioned on Australia's ABC broadcast that they will consider the UK's recommendation to suspend AstraZeneca vaccinations for those under 30 and Italy's recommendation to suspend vaccinations for those under 60.
Earlier, Health Minister Greg Hunt said at a press conference, "If the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia recommends measures such as limiting the age for AstraZeneca vaccine administration, we will accept and implement them."
Meanwhile, Australia is currently relying on the AstraZeneca vaccine for its vaccination plan for its citizens.
Australia was scheduled to receive 3.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by early this year but has only received 700,000 doses so far.
Due to this vaccine shortage, Australia's vaccination rate is falling short of its target. The Australian government pledged to administer at least 4 million doses by March but has only secured 670,000 doses, causing setbacks in the vaccination plan.
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