ATAGI changes its vaccine advice for people living in outbreak areas

People living in areas where there is a coronavirus outbreak should have their second dose of AstraZeneca earlier.

This is according to advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which was released today.

"While the recommended interval between the first and second doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is between four and 12 weeks, in outbreak situations an interval of between four and eight weeks is preferred," ATAGI said in a statement.

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"Therefore, people in an outbreak situation who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca more than four weeks ago should contact their vaccine provider to arrange their second dose as soon as possible."

The preferred interval between doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca remains at 12 weeks in non-outbreak settings.

ATAGI's recommendation for the use of the Pfizer vaccine remains unchanged in the case of coronavirus outbreaks.

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However, it said in the case of limited Pfizer supply, adults under 60 should consider their options.

"In the context of a COVID-19 outbreak where the supply of Pfizer is constrained, adults younger than 60 years old who do not have immediate access to Pfizer should re-assess the benefits to them and their contacts from being vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca, versus the rare risk of a serious side effect," the advisory group said.

The advisory group also recommended any additional unallocated supplies of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca should be prioritised to populations and areas of greatest risk of COVID-19.

This includes older people, healthcare workers, disability and aged care workers, and people living with medical co-morbidities.