The ASCIA COVID-19 FAQ, Position Statement and Guides have been updated to reference the following summary of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) statement, issued on 8 April 2021 about AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns:

• ATAGI notes further evidence of a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis (clotting) with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) following receipt of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
• ATAGI recommends that the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine by is preferred over the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults aged under 50 years. This recommendation is based on the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination) and a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in people aged under 50 years.
• The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual, and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
• People who have had the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.

Further information from ATAGI is available at www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-astrazeneca-vaccine-in-response-to-new-vaccine-safety-concerns

The updated ASCIA COVID-19 resources are avaialble as follows:

ASCIA Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

www.allergy.org.au/patients/ascia-covid-19-vaccination-faq

ASCIA Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Position Statement

www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/ascia-hp-position-statement-covid-19-vaccination

ASCIA Guide: Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination

www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/guide-immunodeficiency-autoimmunity-and-covid-19-vaccination

ASCIA Guide: Allergy and COVID-19 Vaccination

www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/guide-allergy-and-covid-19-vaccination

Content updated 14 April 2021