Tasmanians are being urged not to cancel existing appointments to receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as GPs adjust to the latest roll-out "pivot".
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Pfizer is now the recommended COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 16 to under 59 years.
The latest change was announced Thursday in response to recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to increase the minimum age for people receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine from 50 to 60.
It came after a 52-year-old woman died after developing a rare case of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Tasmania chairman Dr Tim Jackson said while the shake-up would inevitably slow down the state's vaccine roll-out, it was vital those within the 50 to 59 age bracket who have already had one dose of AstraZeneca, continue with their second.
"If you have had your first dose, we know the chances of getting this very rare clot from the second dose is almost non-existent," he said.
"This latest change, it's a bump in the road ... a slight pivot.
"But as the science comes in, and we react to the local risk of COVID, I think it's very appropriate that we change the recommendations as and when we can."
As of Thursday about 27,000 Tasmanians had received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and were advised to receive the second.
An estimated 45,000 addition people in the 50 to 59 age group have yet to receive a vaccine, and will now be advised to book in with a state-run Pfizer clinic.
There are currently about 120 Tasmanian GPs involved in vaccine roll-out of AstraZeneca.
However from July, some practices will also begin administering Pfizer as the state's supply increases.
With GPs continuing to focus on vaccinating some of the state's older, most vulnerable populations, Dr Jackson said Tasmania remained well placed.
"We have been lucky with our state government, they have managed it well," he said.
"They've had good supplies, probably better than some of the mainland state. So I am confident we will have enough.
"The current situation in Australia, we have some community spread in limited areas in Victoria and NSW, but in Tasmania there is no community spread.
"So that gives us time to get things organised."
As of June 17, more than 180,000 COVID vaccines had been administered in Tasmania.
The latest updates, including how and where to make a booking, can be found here.
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