Residents between the ages of 18-59 are heading to the doctors and rolling up their sleeves to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation first recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine for anyone above the age of 50 in April.
It was then reviewed on June 17, where AstraZeneca was recommended for adults over the age of 60.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a late-night announcement on Monday, June 28 where he stated that any Australian resident under the age of 60 could receive the vaccine in consultation with a doctor.
The latest announcement has led to residents rolling up their sleeves.
Matt Abercromby made his appointment on Tuesday and on Wednesday he had received his first dose of AstraZeneca.
The 37-year-old said he was happy to do his part for the wider community and had "no hesitation whatsoever".
"I know the vaccine and the virus don't present a threat to me personally, but I felt that it was my responsibility to protect the community and to get vaccinated," he said.
"For me, it has been frustrating to watch Australia's progress compared to other nations, especially since we've done so well compared to other nations throughout this whole pandemic.
"We've been very proud of our response and how our community has approached lockdowns and getting the pandemic under control in Australia.
"Whatever the reasons for the slow vaccine rollout, I still think that if I have the opportunity to make a difference, I'm going to go out there and do my bit."
Matt said that on the day he got the AstraZeneca jab, he received a three-page document that outlined the potential side effects.
"It was very detailed," he said.
"They didn't hide the fact that there were potential side effects, even though the side effects were classified as rare.
"I then had a conversation with a GP where he reiterated everything.
"After the vaccine, I felt perfectly fine. I've never had any reactions or adverse effects when I receive the flu vaccine every year, this is the same.
"I haven't felt any different and I feel wonderful."
Matt said his family were also keen to get the vaccine.
"I've got two brothers. One brother lives in San Francisco, his family is fully vaccinated and very excited about it.
"My other brother intends to get vaccinated as soon as he can."
Robyn Denis, 51, also put her hand up to receive the AstraZeneca jab.
"I have two businesses. I need to keep my staff and customers safe, so I got what was available," she said.
"I'm not waiting for Pfizer. I'm just trying to keep my small business afloat and my staff employed."
Marieta Matthews said she believed everyone should be able to choose which vaccine they wanted.
"I'm getting the Pfizer next week and I am happy with that (50-59 age group). It seems like a Pfizer/AZ combo could also offer good protection," she said.
I don't see getting vaccinated as something I'm doing for myself. It's my contribution to get Australia back to some kind of normality, to open up our borders, and get the economy back on its feet.
"I would love to travel overseas to see family, and I would love for them to visit me. I'd love to visit my elderly neighbour and feel that I'm not putting her at risk.
"I too have had my concerns about vaccines, but I think the benefit far outweighs the risk.
"I was not keen on AstraZeneca, but I feel more comfortable getting the Pfizer vaccine."
In an interview on ABC Breakfast with Michael Rowland on Wednesday, June 30, Australian Medical Association president, Dr Omar Khorshid said the AMA did not have a problem with the removal of the restrictions on age.
"The issue is the confused messaging and of course, no notice to GPs who were inundated with calls," he said.
"To be completely clear, the advice has not changed. The government is not changing the advice.
"They're not suggesting that ATAGI is wrong. So the experts are recommending people under the age of 60 have the Pfizer vaccine.
"The prime minister simply removed the age restrictions on AZ, and that means that those people who believe that they'd like to, on balancing those risks, still have AZ, it is now available, as it has been for healthcare workers under the age of 60 and others in those priority groups."
In a press release Dr Khorshid said the new indemnity scheme gave patients and doctors alike a reason to continue the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
"Nearly all patients and doctors will never need to use the indemnity scheme, but having it in place will give peace of mind to patients and doctors alike," he said.
"We first proposed such a scheme in January and have worked closely with the government to get the insurance scheme introduced.
"For such a scheme to be effective and fair, we knew it needed to cover all vaccines, administered to all age groups and be applied retrospectively, so we are pleased the government has taken this on board.
"It means in the very rare circumstances where patients believe they have been injured by a vaccine, they can access support or compensation if required without the need to include their doctor or nurse in legal action.
"Risk is part of any medical procedure and the vaccine program is no different. The risks of COVID-19 far exceed the very low risk of serious adverse events from the COVID-19 vaccines."
"We will now work with the government to extend the Medicare support for COVID-19 vaccine consultations to Australians under the age of 50, to support GPs to provide information to patients around the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines and assist patients in making an informed decision."
Medical advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation remains that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not recommended for anyone under the age of 60.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
