AstraZeneca jab turnaround tightens to six weeks

THE number of weeks between the first and second doses of AstraZeneca has halved, meaning people in the Swan Hill region can be fully vaccinated against the virus quicker.

Last Thursday Acting Chief Health Officer Professor Ben Cowie said the dosage interval for AstraZeneca would be reduced from 12 to six weeks at state-run vaccine centres.

“That matches the dosage interval for the Pfizer vaccine – so it will be six weeks for AstraZeneca and Pfizer bookings going forward,” Prof Cowie said.

“This change, and the additional supply of Pfizer vaccine from the Commonwealth when it arrives in Victoria, will help us to reach our vaccination targets faster.

“But, more importantly, they will really contribute to the response to community transmission, put a downward pressure on cases, and contribute to protecting our health system as we look after all Victorians.”