The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia has begun

[lovetravellingoz]

An update on Moderna from the ABC

By Dannielle Maguire​

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Moderna given green light to apply for vaccine approval​

Moderna has inched a little bit closer to getting formal approval by Australia’s medical regulator today.​

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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced Moderna is now eligible to apply for provisional registration of its COVID vaccine.​

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So it’s been given permission to apply to get the first round of approval needed to distribute the vaccine here.​

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While this is a step forward it’s not surprising given the federal government is basing a chunk of its vaccine rollout later this year on having the mRNA vaccine.​

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Moderna still has to now apply and then pass that approval stage.​

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If it does, it’ll be the second mRNA vaccine approve by Australia, along with Pfizer.​

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[lovetravellingoz]

Reading some of the posts about those over 50 cancelling their second jab of AZ and wanting pfizer is there any medical reason this is not advisable. I am assuming that those going down this path would still require x2 pfizer. It seems to be happening overseas but not approved in AU. Is there any issues with mixing the vaccine's.

1/ Well note that if an individual delays their second AZ dose to try and get Pfizer, that they may have to wait some time for it, and so that places then places that person at risk for longer. Especially with the newer strains like Delta where the research is showing that you really need to have two doses of AZ/ Pfizer/ Moderna to be well protected, and not just your first dose. For the earlier strains just a single dose a higher lever of protection, than with Delta. It also places others in the community at risk for longer.


2/ From what I have read, you do not need to still get two doses of Pfizer, to replace the second dose of AZ. Just the one. But note with eother AZ/Pfiser, Pfizer/Pfizer or AZ/A that you will probably needa booster in 2022.

OTTAWA -- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is now recommending that people who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine receive a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.​

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NACI’s latest advice takes into consideration the most recent evidence on the rare instances of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca shot and the increase of mRNA vaccine supply arriving on Canadian soil.​

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It also says it reviewed emerging evidence “suggesting better immune responses” when an individual receives a first dose of AstraZeneca and a second dose of an mRNA vaccine.​

Personally I will get my second AZ as soon as I am eligible for it, and then seek my Moderna Booster in 2022 as soo as I am eligible for it. I would anticipate that this will also see me get the booster earlier than if I try and wait fora second dose by Pfizer.



3/ Vaccination works by the community as a whole acting. The community will benefit most if all individuals who can get AZ (and yes for Pfizer too) do so as quickly as possible. This in turn means that the risk for all individuals will be less.



The sooner we as a nation get our vaccination rate up, the better off we all will be. Medically, financially and socially.

 

[drron]

Having spoken directly to one of the ATAGI vaccine panellists on the question of mixing vaccines the answer was it is probably not a problem but the trial comparing the various dose and vaccine types in the UK is still running so there are no results on which to make a decision.
However it was emphasised that if you have had the first dose of AZ vaccine without a major problem then the strong advice is to have the second AZ dose.Those who want to switch to Pfizer for their second dose will slow the rollout even further.

It was also pointed out that the official ATAGI advice on vaccinations for the under 60s is that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine but not the mandatory vaccine.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It was also pointed out that the official ATAGI advice on vaccinations for the under 60s is that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine but not the mandatory vaccine.

This is one of the biggest communication problems. If one is aware of the risks we should be allowed to get vaccinated instead of doses being left unused. Open the doors to anyone who wants AZ and make the warnings clear, and let's get on with it.

Again without banging on about it, the media drums keep the beat unfortunately.

 

[jakeseven7]

Having spoken directly to one of the ATAGI vaccine panellists on the question of mixing vaccines the answer was it is probably not a problem but the trial comparing the various dose and vaccine types in the UK is still running so there are no results on which to make a decision.
However it was emphasised that if you have had the first dose of AZ vaccine without a major problem then the strong advice is to have the second AZ dose.Those who want to switch to Pfizer for their second dose will slow the rollout even further.

It was also pointed out that the official ATAGI advice on vaccinations for the under 60s is that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine but not the mandatory vaccine.

Which is why VIC is considering their idea to drive it to the under 60’s... wonder if it will happen.

 

[jakeseven7]

Really? I can't say I am surprised, is this just industry rumour or are there stories out there about it.

Edit: Oh are you referring to Brett Sutton? He is 100% correct this time, in my opinion.

And Dr Chant from NSW clearly thinks the decision is not correct.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

139K doses injected yesterday (23 June).

 

[Lynda2475]

Pfizer is the preferred vaccine but not the mandatory vaccine.

Well no vaccine is mandatory, so moot point.

AZ is on the way out, it wont be recommended for anyone past October this year. If someone wants AZ beyond that date they can specially request it (no problem there will be plenty gathering dust) but given we will have 3 better choices by the time boosters are due, doubt anyone will be making a fuss to get AZ.

 

[Pushka]

SA has reached half a million. Population of SA is around 1.8 million. Of course that number includes second doses.

 

[Matt_01]

I had the first AZ shot and have not had a single side effect so you lot may have to put up with my dribble for a little longer I get my second shot before MrsM can get in for her first pfizer. I suspect that my the time I am allowed to travel to locations that have higher case numbers I will have most likely received a booster of some flavour.

 

[JB expat]

I had the first AZ shot and have not had a single side effect so you lot may have to put up with my dribble for a little longer I get my second shot before MrsM can get in for her first pfizer. I suspect that my the time I am allowed to travel to locations that have higher case numbers I will have most likely received a booster of some flavour.

I am in exactly the same position except I had my 2nd last weekend. The 2nd made me incredibly tired 36 hours after - no other side effects (and none with the first). My husband probably won’t be fully vaccinated with the Pfizer for months. But I’m the one with immediate family in America, so as soon as permitted I will be making a solo trip over.

 

[louie-m]

AZ is on the way out, it wont be recommended for anyone past October this year. If someone wants AZ beyond that date they can specially request it (no problem there will be plenty gathering dust) but given we will have 3 better choices by the time boosters are due, doubt anyone will be making a fuss to get AZ.

I think there are plenty of people who would prefer old school, tried and tested technology (albeit tweaked for Covid) rather than try one of the new kids on the block.

 

[Lynda2475]

I think there are plenty of people who would prefer old school, tried and tested technology (albeit tweaked for Covid) rather than try one of the new kids on the block.

The numbers currently waiting for Pfizer dont speak to that. Anyone currently eligible for Pfizer can sign a waiver and request AZ instead, this isnt happening at any material level, they are waiting for Pfizer.

 

[louie-m]

The numbers currently waiting for Pfizer dont speak to that. Anyone currently eligible for Pfizer can sign a waiver and request AZ instead, this isnt happening at any material level, they are waiting for Pfizer.

Seems others have different experiences - The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia has begun "A lot of our younger workers (who got vaccinated because of our industry) friends are very jealous and would happily take AZ if they could....."

 

[Matt_01]

I must be apathetic in my approach to vaccines. Every year I get the flu jab and do not care what variant it is and just ask the pharmacist to put the sticker details into my ICV. As for staying up to date with other injections or if needing something a little more out of the ordinary e.g. japanese encephalitis again I just trust that what is put in my arm is safe and the details are in my ICV.

Moving forward Covid19 is not going away any time soon, I will line up and get whatever jab is recommended.

 

[jakeseven7]

Seems others have different experiences - The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia has begun "A lot of our younger workers (who got vaccinated because of our industry) friends are very jealous and would happily take AZ if they could....."

Excuse me it’s not possible for anyone else to have an opinion on the suitableness of a vaccine that contravenes the perfection of Pfizer

 

[Lynda2475]

Excuse me it’s not possible for anyone else to have an opinion on the suitableness of a vaccine that contravenes the perfection of Pfizer

Express any opinion you like but dont keep making false claims about "perfection" which has never been claimed and using hyperbole to stir up hostility.

You have a vested interest in AZ and spend a good part of each day calling people "vaccine snobs" even though the medical advice AZ is not recommended for most of the population. You are free to (and have chosen) to get a vaccine not recommended for your cohort, that doenst make your choice more correct or other people following the actual medical advice snobs.

 

[jase05]

Anyone currently eligible for Pfizer can sign a waiver and request AZ instead

That is simply not the case at all.
I do know of some in SA that have done so but know plenty in Victoria that have flat out been refused. They just want any vaccine they can get

 

[Lynda2475]

but know plenty in Victoria that have flat out been refused

Well if they are over 40 obviously didnt ask the right way or right person. Curious as to whether this was at a mass vax centre or a GP?

The wait for a Pfizer vaccination for the eligible is less than 12 weeks, so why push for AZ when you will be waiting a much longer period for full protection? Makes no sense.

Sounds more like they were under 40 and ineligible for any vaccine right now.

 

[Matt_01]

At times I wonder if threads such as these (started with all good intent) are more of a hinderance than helpful. The problem in my mind is social media and aggregated news channels are feeding the masses. There are some on this site who put forward an opinion or advice without any a medical background or formal training. There are others who obviously work or have been trained in a medical field however at times one has to read between the lines of what they post. Then there are others that are in a position to provide fact based information/commentary with the qualifications to back it up. Most numb-nuts read what is front of them and accept that is gospel. I have not done any fact checking and could not be bothered to do so but from what I have read there has only been a handful (maybe 3-5) people die in AU from the AZ jab. Then there is a knee jerk reaction from the Government and everything is thrown into chaos again. I maybe wrong but I would have thought there are more deaths in AU related to vaccine's, peanuts, dairy, bees, or any other allergies when compared to AZ.