A third of GPs are not prepared to administer AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to patients under 50, an Australian Doctor survey suggests.

The survey results also show doctors are facing significant vaccine hesitancy across all patient age groups, and not just with AstraZeneca’s vaccine because of its links to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

The Federal Government is pressing ahead with a revamped vaccine rollout, with GP practices tasked with administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to all adults aged 50 and over from next month. 

Last week, the Department of Health stressed GPs can still offer the vaccine to those under 50 if the benefits outweigh the risks; although Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine remains the preferred option based on ATAGI advice.