In light of the recent Government advice, Monash Health will temporarily suspend administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Over the next few days, we will take time to consider the new information regarding the vaccine and develop a plan to reschedule appointments and manage our stock in a resourceful way.
Thank you to everyone who has come forward to be vaccinated; we appreciate your commitment to protecting yourself and those you care for. The program will continue, and those who have their booking cancelled will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
It is important to reinforce that the Government is taking a precautionary and conservative approach in not recommending the AstraZeneca vaccine to under 50-year-olds. However, the risk from AstraZeneca to this cohort remains extremely low.
If you have had your first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and did not experience a problem, then you can receive the second dose safely – regardless of age.
The clotting issue is extremely rare, but if you experience an ongoing unusual headache in the two weeks after the vaccine, please consult your doctor to review it.
You can read the statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) here.
Please contact the Employee Vaccination Enquiries line on (03) 9594 5815 for advice if you have any concerns about your reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
I will share updates with you as they arise.
Thank you for your commitment and resilience as we work through this together.
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive
All managers are requested to share these updates with their teams and discuss at stand-ups and handovers. Please print a copy and display it in communication books and on employee noticeboards.
As advice and information evolve, please consult the latest updates and visit the Department of Health and Human Services and Monash Health COVID-19 website for employees regularly for the latest.