False: The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is only available for people aged 40 and above in Australia.

By: Sunil Kumar
July 14 2021

Share Article:

The AstraZeneca vaccine is available to any adult aged 18 and over in Australia. The Australian Government Department of Health updated its website to include a COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker. It allows one to check their eligibility for a vaccine and assist one in finding a clinic based on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommendations for who can receive the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. The ATAGI recommends the COVID-19 Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine for people aged 16 to 59 years. However, the AstraZeneca vaccine can be given to those aged 18 to 59 years after a proper risk/benefit evaluation and consent process. People under the age of 60 would need to consult with their immunization provider before making a decision. According to Primary Health Network (PHN) Central and Eastern Sydney, the AstraZeneca vaccine is available to all people aged 18 and above. For adults aged 60 and up, AstraZeneca is the recommended vaccine. On July 9, 2021, PHN stated that with an adequate individual risk-benefit analysis and permission process, those aged 18-39, who are not yet eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, could choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19, including symptoms, prevention, and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organization or your national healthcare authority.