COVID-19 update – 26 May 2021

26 May 2021

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Addressing vaccine hesitancy

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) have released a joint statement on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and the use of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. The statement provides updated information about TTS and reaffirms ATAGI’s previous advice regarding the safe use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine.

The statement confirms people with the following conditions can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:

  • History of blood clots in typical sites
  • Increased clotting tendency that is not immune mediated
  • Family history of blood clots
  • History of ischaemic heart disease or stroke
  • Current or past thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  • Those receiving anticoagulation therapy

ATAGI have determined that the benefit for those who are aged 50 years and older favours vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine, when compared with the risk of this rare syndrome.

Additional information is available at www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines.

Click here to read the ATAGI and THANZ statement on TTS and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Click here for guidance from the Department of Health around talking to patients about the AstraZeneca vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

NSW has reached the 1 million milestone, with over 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the state.

Members of the public aged 40-49 can now register their interest in receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Peopled aged 50+ can book their AstraZeneca vaccination through the GP network or at NSW Health vaccination clinics, including Sydney Olympic Park. Bookings can be made through the Australian Government eligibility checker

Vaccines multicultural outreach

The Department of Health has developed a Multicultural Outreach Stakeholder Pack which contains in-language communication resources and information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the AstraZeneca vaccine, vaccine eligibility and vaccine safety. Click on the links in the stakeholder pack to access translated COVID-19 vaccines information. Resources include posters, fact sheets, audio files, and social media content.

Click here to read the COVID-19 Vaccines Multicultural Outreach Stakeholder Pack.

Mask wearing

Mask wearing for most staff working in healthcare facilities is no longer required. Mandatory mask wearing remains in place for emergency staff in clinical areas while delivering patient care and all staff if within 1.5 metres of patients with acute respiratory symptoms.