AMA confused with State Government vaccine rollout decision

PIC: 9News

Starting tomorrow, West Australians aged 30 and over will be able to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination.

Western Australia is fast tracking the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program following National Cabinet’s decision last week to expand the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to people aged 40 and over.

Those aged between 30 and 49 will receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at State-run clinics, and people aged 50 and over will continue to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

In line with a decision made at National Cabinet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 and over are also now eligible to be vaccinated.

It is a move which has confused the Australian Medical Association.

WA Branch President Doctor Andrew Milliar said they've moved ahead of the rest of the country who are offering Pfizer to 40 to 50-year-olds.

"We need to really concentrate on how many frontline workers, 1A 1B group and patients who have not yet been vaccinated and what the resistance is in people over 50," he said. 

"We just need really clear communication from the Government here.

"One of the confusing things is the Government says well we're following the National guide line around age groups but then they've departed from it immediately offering it to 30-year-old people."

Meanwhile, Premier Mark McGowan said they've opened up the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to a broader group of people in an effort to build momentum and get more people vaccinated.

“WA’s expanded rollout is in accordance with the advice from health experts to provide the Pfizer vaccine to everyone aged 30 to 49 and the AstraZeneca vaccine for people 50 years and older." he said. 

“The expanded rollout will mean State-run clinics will be extra busy, but I ask people to be patient while we ramp up our clinics.

“State-run clinics are just one way of getting the vaccine, so I call on the Commonwealth to deliver more vaccines to our local GPs and move quickly to allow pharmacies to join the rollout efforts.

“The time is now and this is your chance to roll up your sleeve, get the COVID-19 vaccine and protect yourselves, your family and the WA community.” 
 

 

 

 

 

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