By Claire Matthews
Updates have been made to Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout program following new advice that anyone under 60 should receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Queenslanders aged 50-59 can register their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine at a Queensland Health vaccination location.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said they are expanding Pfizer vaccine availability to people aged 50-59.
“However, the advice has not changed for those people who have already received their first AstraZeneca dose.
“If you are aged 50-59 and have already received your first dose of AstraZeneca with no severe adverse events, you should continue to receive your second AstraZeneca dose.
“To get the full benefit of the vaccine, you need two doses, and the current TGA advice continues to be to get two doses of the same vaccine brand – you cannot switch to Pfizer for your second dose.”
Queensland Health currently has more than 60 Pfizer vaccination locations operating across the state, with more to come soon.
This week, two new Pfizer community vaccination centres have opened in Brisbane, at Kippa-Ring and Capalaba. Additional sites are in Doomben, Rocklea and Springfield.
To receive your vaccine, you need to make a booking. Register your interest, and wait for the invitation to make a booking. This is to help reduce waiting times, especially as vaccination sites are in high demand.
“Particularly in South East Queensland, I strongly encourage people to register their interest and wait for their invitation to book an appointment. In some locations, any walk-ins will be turned away,” Dr Young said.
“With the expansion of the age group eligibility, we expect high demand at our community vaccination sites over the coming days. Registering your interest is the fastest way to make an appointment.
“I thank Queenslanders for their patience – any Queenslander who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated in due course.”
To register your interest, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings.