The last 12 months has certainly been an unpredictably ‘weird’ and challenging time for the entire world. The health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are well known. In this sphere Australia has done extremely well and been very fortunate. The Great Southern is perhaps the luckiest place in the world.
However, the economic, social, psychological and political impact of this pandemic are arguably as significant (or more so) and likely to continue for a lot longer.
The next step in recovery from all of this is the COVID-19 vaccine.
Most new vaccines do take an average 5-10 years to develop to the stage of community release. Unprecedented amounts of effort, funding and expert scientific expertise however has achieved this within 12 months. Although there may be some apprehension regarding a new COVID-19 vaccine (as there understandably is with any new vaccine or medical treatment) we can be as assured of its safety – as much as is medically possible at this stage. Both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines (those Australia is currently going to use) have gone through all phases of rigorous trials and been shown to have an excellent safety profile, equivalent to other currently used vaccines in our community (e.g.: Fluvax). We strongly encourage all eligible people to have the vaccine (those over 18 years old, not pregnant and without certain very rare contraindication)
About the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine:
This vaccine uses an inactivated chimpanzee adenovirus, containing the ‘spike protein’ to achieve an immune response. This virus is incapable of infecting human cells (or chimpanzee cells for that matter after inoculation) Its effectiveness appears to be >80%, can be stored at a traditional GP vaccine fridge temperature and comes in a multidose vial. Click this link to read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Summary.
The COVID-19 vaccine is to be ‘rolled out’ in phases.
Phase 1a (now) eligibility includes quarantine and border force workers, frontline health care workers and residential age care residents and staff.
The other phases will follow but we still don’t have exact timing here.
Phase 1b eligibility includes those aged 70 & over (or over 55 for ATSI), those with chronic medical conditions, other health care workers and emergency services workers.
Phase 2a – adults over 50 years (18-55 years for ATSI) and others with higher risk occupations.
Finally, Phase 2b – the balance of adult populations.
Approval does not yet exist for those under 16 years or pregnant women, but this may change as data emerges.
Two doses are required to maximize effectiveness. The ideal timeframe between doses is not known yet but most recent recommendations say 12 weeks for the AstraZeneca vaccine. In addition, it is recommended to wait two weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other immunisation, including the seasonal fluvax.
Most common side effects are similar in type and incidence to other inactivated vaccines. They include injection site pain, fever, headache, nausea, muscle/joint ache and rash, and are temporary. Serious side effects appear to be extremely rare. For example, the risk of anaphylaxis from the Pfizer vaccine appears to be approximately 1 in 5 million.
We strongly encourage everyone in the community who is eligible to get vaccinated. It is well researched and appears safe. It is also looking highly effective. In nations that already have been vaccinating there have been virtually NO cases of severe disease needing hospitalisation or death from the virus in those vaccinated. It is likely that reduced transmission will follow. Getting the vaccine is the next step in helping to prevent transmission of this virus, most importantly to those in our society who are most vulnerable or unable to be vaccinated.
Protecting the community in this way is a selfless thing to do. And as mentioned, it is a critical next step in recovering economically, politically, psychologically and socially.
We are very lucky to have such a vaccine available for free. Spare a thought for the millions of people who are not so fortunate in Africa, Asia, South America etc. and would love to have such a luxury available.
Written by Dr David Ward
Practice Director SRMG
