Pandemic ‘poses challenges to the whole world every day’: Hunt on AstraZeneca changes

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the change in advice surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine following clotting concerns is a new challenge in a pandemic which “poses challenges to the whole world every day”. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and national health authorities last night announced the Pfizer vaccine is now the preferred vaccine for most Australians aged under 50 after concerns about rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. “There’s a new challenge for the whole world now,” Mr Hunt said. “Probably the principal international vaccine now has to be adapted in its usage and different countries are responding but we’re following the medical advice which has put us in one of the most enviable positions. “The principal program remains unchanged, the medical advice on safety for the over 50s remains very clear and very strong. “I think it’s important to put all of this in perspective of a country that is operating freely, operating without COVID, knows how to respond to cases and all Australians will have the opportunity to be vaccinated. "Yes, there are some changes, but that's what we have to face".