The Department of Health has announced that people living in Australia aged 50 years and over can now receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement, the Department said the vaccine was available through General Practice respiratory clinics, and State and Territory vaccination clinics.
“These sites will be expanded from 17 May to participating General Practices (GPs),” the Department said.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said participating GPs which had been receiving 50 doses per week, would now receive 150 doses per week; those receiving 100 doses per week, would now receive 200 doses per week.
“We are providing more vaccines to protect more Australians earlier, as we start the next steps of our vaccination program for people 50 years and over, and ensure that our priority populations can continue to access the vaccine as soon as possible,” Mr Hunt said.
“Primary care vaccination sites have now administered more than 1.2 million vaccinations — more than half the total so far.”
He said this was an amazing achievement in such a short time and a true reflection of the capacity of the sector.
“General Practice is leading the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 50 and over, and will continue to be an integral partner in the delivery of our national COVID-19 vaccination program,” the Minister said.
“To all Australians, please come forward and get vaccinated. It will help protect you, your family, your friends, your workmates, everybody. It will keep you, and the country, COVID safe,” he said.
