ATAGI statement on use of COVID-19 vaccines in an outbreak setting

ATAGI have reviewed their COVID-19 vaccine advice and provided updated recommendations for significant COVID-19 outbreaks involving the Delta strain.

ATAGI reinforces the recommendation for immunisation of those aged ≥ 60 years with COVID-19 AstraZeneca, with the benefits of vaccination strongly outweighing the risks.
Vaccination of priority groups (eg. healthcare workers, disability and aged care workers, older people and those with medical risk factors) should be supported.
Where supply of Comirnaty™ is constrained, adults under 60 years of age should reassess the benefits to them and their contacts from being vaccinated with COVID-19 AstraZeneca, versus the very rare risk of side effects.
Additional unallocated supplies of any COVID-19 vaccine should be prioritised to populations in the areas of greatest risk of COVID-19 disease.
In outbreak situations, the preferred interval between doses of COVID-19 AstraZeneca is 4-8 weeks. The recommended interval betweeen doses in a non-outbreak setting remains 12 weeks.
Recommendations around the use of Comirnaty™ in an outbreak setting remain unchanged.

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