Australia Reduces COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care recently announced the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 is no longer available in-country. 

Australia initially confirmed AstraZeneca's vaccine for use as a primary course and booster dose in people aged 18 years and over in February 2021.

And the government provisionally approved for use in Australia as a booster on February 8, 2022.

As of April 4, 2023, Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are the preferred COVID-19 vaccines for people under 60 years.

This assessment was based on the higher risk and observed severity of a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia after receiving AstraZeneca in people under 60 years compared with those aged 60 years or older.

Previously, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended in February 2023 that all adults are eligible for a 2023 booster dose this year, provided they have not had a COVID-19 vaccine dose or been infected with COVID-19 within the previous six months.