These are some  updates to the vaccination program that we have found over the last week.  If you need more information please contact the AGPA Secretariat.

• On 19 August 2021, the TGA approved a name change for the  COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca to VAXZEVRIA.
  The name is now consistent with that used overseas, including in the European Union and Canada.
  This is expected to clarify that the vaccine produced by CSL and Seqirus in Melbourne is the same as that produced internationally, and will help facilitate international recognition for Australians who have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
• Pfizer rollout – general practices who have expressed an interest in administering the Pfizer vaccine are expected be transitioned to Pfizer over a four-week period in September/October.
  •  All practices have received the same dose allocation.
  • Start dates and allocation are based on available vaccine supply.
• ATAGI
  •  ATAGI  has recommended a shorter interval of 4 to 8 weeks between the first and second doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) in an outbreak setting (versus the routine 12-week interval that provides optimal longer-term protection) so that maximal protection against COVID-19 can be achieved earlier.
  • ATAGI recommended strategies  includes increasing the interval between first and second doses of Pfizer (Comirnaty) from 3 weeks to 6 weeks, to facilitate earlier access to first doses in areas of greatest risk of COVID-19..
  • The ATAGI statement of 2 August is here