Experts say the development of blood clots after getting the jab is still an ‘exceedingly rare’ side effect. So what triggered the government’s change in position?
Australia’s vaccine rollout is facing a major shake-up after the federal government heeded the advice of its independent health expert advisory body to avoid giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-50s amid fears of a potential link to unusual blood clots.
The advice will have serious repercussions for Australia’s vaccine rollout strategy, given the only current alternative vaccine, Pfizer, is in low supply, and a third option, known as the Novavax vaccine, is still being considered by Australia’s drugs regulator. If approved, the federal government doesn’t see this vaccine becoming available until mid-year.
Related: Some South Australian aged care workers denied second Pfizer Covid vaccine shot
Related: What do we know about blood clots and the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine?
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