ATAGI co-chair ‘shocked’ at being blamed by PM for slowing rollout
Professor Christopher Blyth has told a Senate committee of his surprise at the PM's comments on delays to the COVID-19 vaccine program
ATAGI co-chair Professor Christopher Blyth has revealed he was shocked and surprised after Prime Minister Scott Morrison blamed the advisory body’s advice for slowing down the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
The prime minister decided to hold a snap evening news conference in April to announce changes to the immunisation program based on ATAGI advice.
Pfizer became the preferred vaccine for people under 60 because of the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome linked to AstraZeneca.
Mr Morrison came under heavy pressure over the rollout’s pace after the decision, with critics slamming him for not doing more vaccine deals and relying too heavily on AstraZeneca.
