BREAKING: Over-50s to get Astra only from next month

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that all Australians over 50 will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine through GP respiratory clinics and state-based services from 3 May, and GP practices from 17 May. Following the National Cabinet meeting today (Thursday), the Commonwealth, states and territories have also agreed to prioritise the Pfizer vaccine […]

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that all Australians over 50 will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine through GP respiratory clinics and state-based services from 3 May, and GP practices from 17 May.

Following the National Cabinet meeting today (Thursday), the Commonwealth, states and territories have also agreed to prioritise the Pfizer vaccine for those under 50 in phase 1a and 1b.

The Pfizer vaccine will now be restricted for use, and not available to people over 50.

This is to maximise Australia’s supply of Pfizer as we wait for more to arrive from overseas, said Department of Health Secretary Professor Brendan Murphy.

“At this stage we will not be making Pfizer available to those 50 and over,” he said.

“We need to ensure, because of this new age split, that a range of people under 50 who are eligible at the moment, such as aged care workers, disability care workers, those people with underlying chronic medical conditions, emergency service workers and broader healthcare workers from all settings can have access to Pfizer at the state Pfizer clinic.” 

There is still no word on whether GP clinics will receive more AstraZeneca doses by May to account for the accelerated rollout to the adult population over 50.

More tomorrow.