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.
To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
ATAGI statement on use of COVID-19 vaccines in an outbreak setting