Pfizer COVID vaccine: Thousands of West Australians aged in their 50s make appointments to get jab

More than 17,000 West Australians aged in their 50s made appointments to receive the Pfizer vaccine over the weekend after the national roll out was overhauled on Thursday to prefer AstraZeneca only for those aged 60 and over. The massive surge in bookings for 50-somethings comes after the vaccine drive had stalled in that age group amid fears over very rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca jab. As of Friday — prior to any Pfizer being administered to 50-59 year-olds — just over 30 per cent of that cohort had been given their first vaccination. That compared to 65 per cent of those aged 70+ and 43 per cent of those in their 60s. Long queues formed outside the Claremont Showgrounds vaccination hub today after six nurses called in sick but the Health Department stressed waiting times were not expected to blow out again tomorrow. “Attempts were made to replace them with staff from other clinics to alleviate any wait times,” a WA Health spokesman said. “WA Health apologises for the inconvenience. Other vaccination clinics have not been affected. The same scenario is not expected tomorrow.” Pfizer vaccines have been available to anybody aged 30-49 sine June 10. Between then and Friday, more than 9 per cent of West Australians in their 40s have received a first dose as well as 7 per cent of 30-39 year-olds. All of the figures include those previously vaccinated as part of Phase 1A and 1B, such as emergency service and quarantine workers and adults with underlying health conditions. National Cabinet met yesterday to discuss the changes to the vaccination drive with Lieutenant General John Frewen, who is in charge of logistics, confirming all Australians would be offered a first dose by the end of 2021. A WA Government spokeswoman said there was now “more certainty of supply beyond July” — as called for by Premier Mark McGowan at the weekend — with a minimum of 35,000 Pfizer doses expected each week from August.