warning Clinical alert - thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (TTS) update

Updated advice from NSW Health

• Anyone 60 years and over and has not yet been vaccinated, is encouraged to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment with their doctor (GP) immediately.
• Anyone in Greater Sydney, can now receive their second AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine dose 4-8 weeks after their first dose. For those in Regional NSW in non-outbreak settings, the preferred interval between doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine remains at 12 weeks.
• Anyone Greater Sydney who has had their first dose of AstraZeneca but their second dose appointment is not within the next four weeks, can ask to bring their appointment forward.
• Anyone aged 40-59 years, who has not yet been vaccinated and are unable to obtain an appointment for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, is encouraged to discuss their circumstances with their GP or book an appointment at a NSW Health vaccination clinic for the Astrazeneca vaccine.
• Anyone aged 18-39 wishing to get the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is encouraged to talk to their GP or to book an appointment at a NSW Health vaccination clinic.

Revised advice on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the Australian Government

• Recommendations around the use of Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for people aged under 60 years have changed.
  
• Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the preferred vaccine for people aged 16 to under 60 years.
  
• AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can be used in adults aged over 60 years or for those under 60 years where the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is not available. If you are under 60 years speak to your GP (doctor) to understand the risks and benefits.
  
• People of any age without contraindications who have had their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without any serious adverse events should receive the second dose.

For detailed information, read the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) statement

Joint statement from ATAGI and THANZ on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

Serious Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) are notifiable conditions in NSW. Healthcare providers are required to report any serious AEFI to NSW Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.