The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia has begun

[lovetravellingoz]

And further breakdowns on the doses given on Sunday (so today's report):

I note that on Sunday that the GP Channel was still delivering doses.

 

[Batterytraveller]

This was tweet was referenced in the Age's liveblog, looks like we are starting to run out of over 40s with the inclination (and spare time) to get vaccinated. The easy thing to do to keep pace is to open vaccination to the next age cohort, but that just puts off the problem. It is time for carrots, sticks or, at the very least, some marketing to get people through the door.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1401745260997316609

 

[mviy]

This was tweet was referenced in the Age's liveblog, looks like we are starting to run out of over 40s with the inclination (and spare time) to get vaccinated. The easy thing to do to keep pace is to open vaccination to the next age cohort, but that just puts off the problem. It is time for carrots, sticks or, at the very least, some marketing to get people through the door.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1401745260997316609

I would be happy to oblige and go as soon as my cohort is allowed to.

I think I read somewhere here someone reckoned an advertising blitz is planned to start sometime in July(?) once the first lot of under 40s can get vaccinated.

There’s not much point doing an advertising campaign until those targeted by the campaign are eligible.

 

[JB expat]

From the Age:

TGA investigating Pfizer jabs for children over-12​

By Rachel Clun​

Australia’s medical regulator is considering allowing children over the age of 12 to be vaccinated with Pfizer.
The country’s Chief Medical Officer confirmed the Therapeutic Goods Administration has received a proposal from the pharmaceutical giant that has also gone to medical regulators around the world on the safety and efficacy of their vaccine for the 12 to 15 year age group.
“They are examining that information, other regulators similar to the TGA have accepted the safety, efficacy and quality proposal,” Professor Kelly said.
“It will be a matter for the TGA but I suspect that they would go along the same line, but the timing of that, I’m unclear.”
At the moment, the vaccine is approved for use in people aged over 16. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people over 16 can now get the vaccine.
The UK approved the vaccine for use in 12 to 15-year-olds late last week, while the US approved it for that age group in early May.

 

[mviy]

I guess it could make sense to vaccinate kids over 12 in remote communities once approved rather than have to go back there but in populated places like Sydney and Melbourne it'll be a long time before the vaccine rollout gets to kids under 16.

 

[mviy]

Apparently at least 1 in 5 Victorians aged 40-49 have had their first dose: Concerning photo at Melbourne vax hub

So that's probably a significant percentage of those keen to get vaccinated ASAP. That and the difficulty in making bookings using their process and that a lot of 40-49s need to work and/or look after kids during lockdown would be contributing factors as well, I suspect.

It sounds like I'll be able to get vaccinated here in MEL before I can travel interstate the way things are going. I had been considering booking flights to SYD and trying to get vaccinated there later this month before the lockdown happened.

 

[MelMel]

If anyone in Cairns or nearby wants to get vaccinated apparently Cairns Hospital has heaps of Pfizer nearing expiry. Sister and BIL got jabbed today - both mid 50’s

 

[burmans]

Seems like the rush to get vaccinated was just a blip so will be interesting to see the numbers the next couple of weeks. I'm of the view we need to start the marketing campaign now as based on previous experience there are quite a large cohort of people who take a while to get around to it. So we shouldn't assume everyone will start rushing out as soon as they see the first advertisement, it will build over time and we need the build up to start before the drop off starts.

 

[JB expat]

Seems like the rush to get vaccinated was just a blip so will be interesting to see the numbers the next couple of weeks. I'm of the view we need to start the marketing campaign now as based on previous experience there are quite a large cohort of people who take a while to get around to it. So we shouldn't assume everyone will start rushing out as soon as they see the first advertisement, it will build over time and we need the build up to start before the drop off starts.

I do not believe it is a blip. I think there are 2 drivers and neither is temporary: 1 - I think the recent events here in VIC were an eye opener and a dose of reality (meaning that even with locked borders, COVID is indeed a risk) and 2 - Pfizer - there was/is too much fear of AZ. I say this as someone who has had her first AZ and will happily get my 2nd next weekend.

 

[Pushka]

Seems like the rush to get vaccinated was just a blip so will be interesting to see the numbers the next couple of weeks. I'm of the view we need to start the marketing campaign now as based on previous experience there are quite a large cohort of people who take a while to get around to it. So we shouldn't assume everyone will start rushing out as soon as they see the first advertisement, it will build over time and we need the build up to start before the drop off starts.

Seems like my son is one of those not getting around to it. He can have Pfizer right now. Too busy. Sigh.

 

[JB expat]

Seems like my son is one of those not getting around to it. He can have Pfizer right now. Too busy. Sigh.

Curious - what would make him find the time? would it be not being allowed into the MCG without a jab? something else? I'm just curious as to what lights a fire under those who are willing to get one, but don't see the urgency. These are the people that the government needs to focus on - the willing, but not in a rush.

 

[burmans]

I do not believe it is a blip. I think there are 2 drivers and neither is temporary: 1 - I think the recent events here in VIC were an eye opener and a dose of reality (meaning that even with locked borders, COVID is indeed a risk) and 2 - Pfizer - there was/is too much fear of AZ. I say this as someone who has had her first AZ and will happily get my 2nd next weekend.

I think that #1 was certainly an eye opener but the fact that there were long queues last week and none this week does tend to suggest that this isn't permanent but as I say we'll be able to see this very quickly in the numbers. If this weeks numbers continue and uptrend no blip, if they start sinking again then definitely a blip.

Everyone's experience will be different but amongst my acquaintances this has certainly prompted some people to get vaccinated. But my point would be they have now done so, so where are the people who will fill up the next months queues. 40-49s this week, 30-39's next sure (well maybe) then it starts getting harder. Well at least harder without a serious campaign to get them across the line. Two weeks from now the news cycle has moved on and everyone forgets about lockdown again unless we capture their attention now.

 

[MooTime]

I think that #1 was certainly an eye opener but the fact that there were long queues last week and none this week does tend to suggest that this isn't permanent but as I say we'll be able to see this very quickly in the numbers. If this weeks numbers continue and uptrend no blip, if they start sinking again then definitely a blip.

Everyone's experience will be different but amongst my acquaintances this has certainly prompted some people to get vaccinated. But my point would be they have now done so, so where are the people who will fill up the next months queues. 40-49s this week, 30-39's next sure (well maybe) then it starts getting harder. Well at least harder without a serious campaign to get them across the line. Two weeks from now the news cycle has moved on and everyone forgets about lockdown again unless we capture their attention now.

In the next few weeks it'll be more in the 40's as there was a long line still today & then lot of the 40's will be getting their 2nd jabs in coming weeks.
Had record 40k+ yesterday, Sunday.

Promotions will kick off also in few weeks, Qantas etc.

It's not all doom n gloom you know!

 

[Pushka]

Curious - what would make him find the time? would it be not being allowed into the MCG without a jab? something else? I'm just curious as to what lights a fire under those who are willing to get one, but don't see the urgency. These are the people that the government needs to focus on - the willing, but not in a rush.

Excellent question. He's in his thirties. He has the links I sent him and asked him on Saturday and he shrugged it off. I think that he would get it immediately if his activities, like the footy, pubs etc were restricted. Monetary wouldn't work. Time off - dunno. I think if his work strongly recommended it then he would likewise get one. Me pushing him - nope. Being in country SA, there is just not the same sense of urgency.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Excellent question. He's in his thirties. He has the links I sent him and asked him on Saturday and he shrugged it off. I think that he would get it immediately if his activities, like the footy, pubs etc were restricted. Monetary wouldn't work. Time off - dunno. I think if his work strongly recommended it then he would likewise get one. Me pushing him - nope. Being in country SA, there is just not the same sense of urgency.

I think it is a function of feeling safe. My 33 year old son and his 30 year old partner literally hit the phone the second San Francisco opened up to their age group. Big difference in experiences though - they have been huddling in a 2 bedroom apart, working from home since March 2020 and feeling at risk anytime they ventured out.

 

[Pushka]

I think it is a function of feeling safe. My 33 year old son and his 30 year old partner literally hit the phone the second San Francisco opened up to their age group. Big difference in experiences though - they have been huddling in a 2 bedroom apart, working from home since March 2020 and feeling at risk anytime they ventured out.

Likewise our younger son who is living in the Uk since October. Hates needles but had his done the instant he was invited.

 

[Batterytraveller]

From the Guardian’s review of the latest essential poll.

‘Only about a third of voters now say they want to get vaccinated “as soon as possible”, down from 56% in August.

About a third of people say they want to get vaccinated, but “not straight away”, while 13% don’t want a vaccine – up by 5% since August.

Voters are also pessimistic about the vaccine rollout being completed within a year, with most people (44%) thinking it will take one to two years, and 30% believing it will take more than two years. Eight per cent of people say it will “never” be completed.’

Essential poll: Support for Coalition’s Covid handling lowest since outbreak began

One in four voters believe Morrison government is doing a ‘very poor’ or ‘quite poor’ job of managing pandemic

www.theguardian.com

 

[OATEK]

From the Guardian’s review of the latest essential poll.

‘Only about a third of voters now say they want to get vaccinated “as soon as possible”, down from 56% in August.

About a third of people say they want to get vaccinated, but “not straight away”, while 13% don’t want a vaccine – up by 5% since August.

Voters are also pessimistic about the vaccine rollout being completed within a year, with most people (44%) thinking it will take one to two years, and 30% believing it will take more than two years. Eight per cent of people say it will “never” be completed.’

Essential poll: Support for Coalition’s Covid handling lowest since outbreak began

One in four voters believe Morrison government is doing a ‘very poor’ or ‘quite poor’ job of managing pandemic

www.theguardian.com

Those that say it will never be completed are probably right, as this is only the first wave of a vaccination program that will be with us for the foreseeable.

 

[jakeseven7]

Good news, another mass vaccination hub opening, about time. Hopefully this will drive some more numbers in NSW.

Empty Bunnings in Lake Macquarie to become vax hub​

NSW's second major vaccination hub is set to be launched in the Hunter region, in a massive empty Bunnings warehouse that the government says will be able to deliver about 20,000 doses a day.

Australians aged over 40 can get COVID vaccine from today

All Australians aged over 40 and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 16 can book their COVID-19 jab from today, the Department of Health announces.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Lynda2475]

The quickest way to boost numbers is to open the hubs on weekends. Younger people dont want to miss paid work to get vaccinated when their risk of getting covid is virtually non existant.