Hello, it’s Norman Swan here. I thought I’d try and help you by clearing up some of the confusion around Astra vaccine at the moment. So I just wanna lay it out a little bit for you.
One, the expert advice is clear and that comes from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. When you weigh up the risks versus benefits, the benefits far outweigh the risks, when you’re over 60, of having the Astra vaccine. If you are under 60, then the risk-benefit ratio is much more equal or it goes towards riskier. That’s why they have suggested that Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for under 60’s.
Now this isn’t a rule. This is guidance for general practitioners and others. If you feel you want to have the Astra vaccine, then you’re free to do so, nothing’s changed. It is approved for all age groups, but you’ve gotta talk to your GP and weigh up the risks versus benefits for yourself.
The other thing I’ll say is that if you’re due for a second dose of Astra, no matter what your age, have it. The chances of having the clotting syndrome after the second dose are really very, very low indeed.
The important thing is to get that second dose, because that’s what covers you against this Delta variant. I hope that’s helped.