Geelong’s Former Ford Factory to provide AstraZeneca to 18 to 39-year-olds

The State Government has expanded its vaccination program. Photo: Daniel Pockett/ AAP IMAGE

Eighteen to 39-year-olds who provide informed consent will now be able to get vaccinated at Victorian’s state-run vaccination centres, including Geelong, from Monday.

The expanded access to AstraZeneca follows recent advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and will ensure more Victorians who want the vaccine, have easy access to it.

“Given the current outbreak in Victoria, and recent advice from ATAGI, we’re expanding access to the vaccines we have available so Victorians can get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

AstraZeneca is a safe and effective vaccine. ATAGI has advised two doses of Astra Zeneca reduces the risk of symptomatic infection by at least 67 per cent and the risk of hospitalisation by 92 per cent.

The AstraZeneca vaccine will still be available to 18 to 39-year-olds at participating GPs, respiratory clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations as well.

From Monday children aged 12 to 15 with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms will become eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at state-run clinics.

Victorian health services have administered more vaccines than health services in any other state or territory. AstraZeneca currently accounts for around a quarter of all doses administered at Victorian state run vaccination centres.

People choosing to provide informed consent will be required to sign a document showing they are aware of the extremely rare but serious risks associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, including the risk of thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

The expanded eligibility will apply at multiple Victorian vaccination centres, including: