Australians under 60 will soon have access to a second MRNA vaccine

Over 60s urged to get the Astra Zeneca jab

Former Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, seen here recently getting her jab, is among many under 60s who have been vaccinated with Astra Zeneca. Photo: Supplied

29 August 2021 2:21pm

Instagram

Following the extra Pfizer supplies distributed to states and territories in recent weeks, another MRNA vaccine will soon become available to Australians, though most likely only to those under 60 years of age.

According to an ABC report, it is understood that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, expected to be rolled out in September, will “mirror Pfizer eligibility” at least initially, excluding Australians over the age of 60.

The Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) President Omar Khorshid said it made sense for the two MRNA vaccines to have the same eligibility criteria given that “Moderna is actually very similar to Pfizer in terms of how it works, the technology behind it, and the effect on the community.”

Eligibility for the Moderna jab is also expected to expand to 12 to 17 year olds, pending the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval within the coming fortnight.

The TGA has already given the green light for Pfizer to be administered to under 18s with bookings to start from 13 September.

Currently, those over 60 can only access the Astra Zeneca vaccine, with the AMA’s President urging those in the age cohort still reluctant to reconsider.

“The AMA’s message to anyone over the age of 60 is to go out and get your AZ vaccine,” Dr Khorshid said.

“It is proving itself to be an amazing vaccine with an incredibly good safety record, and it is protecting the lives of millions of people around the world today.”

Many younger Australians, under 60, have also taken up the AZ jab.

Among them is pictured former Health Minister for Victoria, Jenny Mikakos, who received her second Astra Zeneca vaccination at her local GP this week.

“I’m really heartened to see the vaccination rollout is speeding up. This is the only way Australia will open up again under the plan endorsed by all levels of government,” she said while praising initiatives like the one undertaken by the Greek Community of Melbourne in Thornbury.

“The quicker we achieve the targets set under that plan, the quicker we can regain freedoms that others overseas are enjoying, including our compatriots in Greece.”