The island is now following the latest advice recommending that, where available, an alternative to the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine should be offered to those aged 30-39.
The UK JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advises this should be done where those in this group do not have an underlying health condition, and where offering an alternative does not cause a ’substantial delay’ to someone being vaccinated.
The JCVI’s updated advice follows a further review by the UK’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) on ’extremely rare and unlikely to occur’ blood clots and low platelet count following the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Previously an initial review in April saw revised guidance advising that, as a precaution, it was preferable for those aged under 30, who do not have an underlying health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19, to be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine where available.
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This was because the rare side effects were more common in younger people, who are also at lower risk of death and serious illness if they contract Covid-19.
As a result, the majority of the island’s supply of the Pfizer vaccine was planned for those aged below 30.
Health Minister David Ashford commented: ’This further review by the MHRA has shown the Covid-19 vaccines remain highly effective and substantially reduce the risk of death and severe illness as well as reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
’Serious side effects are extremely rare and, compared to the risk of hospitalisation and death from Covid-19, the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine continue to outweigh the risks of any vaccine side effects for the vast majority of people.
’In the UK more than 34 million people have received a first vaccine dose and the programme is estimated to have prevented more than 10,000 deaths.
’With the pace of our vaccination programme we have already used our current supplies of Pfizer and do not expect to receive more available for first doses until late July.
’Our focus is now shifting to second doses, but I am conscious that there are still people who have not come forward for their vaccination despite being invited to do so.
’These individuals will now have to wait for their first dose but I would continue to encourage any adult not yet vaccinated to register.
Mr Ashford continued: ’I must emphasise that anyone who has received their first vaccine dose must have a second dose to be fully protected from Covid-19 and the current guidance is that the second dose must be the same brand as the first to ensure effectiveness.
’If you have had a first dose of AstraZeneca then your second dose must be AstraZeneca.’
’The JCVI advice is clear - an alternative to AstraZeneca should only be considered where it will not cause a delay to getting vaccinated.
’Given that we are looking at an almost three month wait for further supplies of Pfizer, I would encourage anyone under 40 who does not yet have an appointment for their first dose of vaccine to think carefully about whether it is right for them to delay.’
The government advised anyone aged 30-39 with an appointment to receive their first AstraZeneca dose, who wishes to wait to rebook for Pfizer at a later date, to contact 111.