Since the beginning of the vaccine rollout to 30 November 2021, about 39.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.
There have been 2400 reports after vaccination with Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) of people aged under 18 years
Since the beginning of the vaccine rollout to 28 November 2021, over 39.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given. The TGA has found 9 reports of death that were linked to vaccination from 686 reports received and reviewed.
Of the 686 deaths reported to the TGA, over 75% occurred in people aged 65 years and older. A small number of deaths have been reported in individuals under 35 years of age, including two adolescents. Only one death reported in a younger person has been linked to vaccination – this was in a 34-year-old woman who died as a result of TTS.
ADVERSE EVENTS REPORTED BY THE TGA
Myocarditis / Pericarditis
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) are rare effects on the heart that may occur after vaccination with the mRNA vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna). Cases typically occur within 10 days, and usually resolve after a few days following treatment and rest. In Australia, myocarditis is reported in 1–2 out of every 100,000 people after receiving the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. While it is more commonly reported in young men and teenage boys after the second dose (6–11 cases in 100,000 people), it remains rare. The number of reports of myocarditis is increasing each week, which is expected as the number of vaccine doses given also increases each week. We are closely monitoring the rates of myocarditis for all age groups and sex.
TTS (Clots with low platelets)
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a rare but serious adverse event linked to the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine. It is characterised by blood clots and low blood platelets which develop within a few days or weeks after vaccination. In Australia, it occurs in about 2 out of every 100,000 people after a first dose. The risk of TTS after a second vaccine dose appears to be much lower and is estimated to be 0.3 out of every 100,000 people after a second dose. million doses of Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca).
Overall Status
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
To 28 November 2021, the TGA has received 156 reports of suspected GBS occurring after vaccination with Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca).
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Risk: 1/40,000 to 1 / 100,000
To 28 November 2021, the TGA has received 93 reports of suspected ITP following vaccination with Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca). These patients had an extremely low platelet count, and signs of thrombocytopenia which may include unusual bruising, a nosebleed and/or blood blisters in the mouth. Their symptoms occurred in a timeframe that suggested they could be linked to vaccination and no other obvious cause was identified based on the information provided to the TGA.
ATAGI UPDATES
Vaccinating Children
ATAGI has previously noted the TGA’s registration of Pfizer and Moderna for use in children from 12 years of age and supports COVID-19 vaccination in all adolescents from 12 years of age.
Boosters
ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine It is expected up to approximately 500,000 people in Australia who are severely immunocompromised may need a third dose of vaccine over the coming months.
VACCINE HESITANCY MONITORING
VACCINATIONS BY STATE
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