Queensland has withdrawn its advice asking people with a history of anaphylaxis to hold off getting the AstraZeneca vaccine, following a review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath on Wednesday urged those people to delay getting the jab after four serious adverse reactions were recorded in the state.
The cases in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and two in Ipswich all occurred in the past 48 hours, prompting the state government to alert the TGA.
However, the Queensland government received updated advice late on Wednesday following an initial review by the TGA and a meeting between the agency and Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young.
In a statement to SBS News, a Queensland Health spokesperson said the AstraZeneca vaccine will now "continue to be administered as per the TGA and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidelines".
"Eligible people with a history of severe allergic reactions can be vaccinated but should be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the AZ vaccine."
In a statement, the TGA said is has received 19 reports of anaphylaxis nationally, 14 of which followed the Pfizer vaccine and five following the AstraZeneca vaccine.
It said anaphylaxis is a form of allergic reaction and a very rare side effect that may occur with any vaccine.
"The ATAGI advice emphasises that people without a previous history of specific or severe allergy should be observed post vaccination for the recommended 15 minute period," it said.
"Only those with specific allergies or a previous history of anaphylaxis may require vaccination in a facility with medical staff in attendance, and to be observed for 30 minutes following administration of a COVID-19 vaccine dose."
"Following the initial review, the advice from TGA is the Astra Zeneca vaccine should continue to be administered as per the TGA-approved Product Information and following ATAGI advice," it concluded.
Speaking on Thursday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palazczuk defended her health minister's advice, saying she provided the most up-to-date information available.
"Early in the morning there was some initial concerns, and she was doing an early morning press conference, and I back what she said," the premier told reporters.
"But like I said, this is Commonwealth-led, and everyone is comfortable with the vaccine rollout and we fully support it [the vaccine rollout]."
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday confirmed the existing official advice remained in place across the country: "if you have anaphylaxis, please go and remain for about 30 minutes."
He rejected suggestions Queensland authorities had undermined public confidence by shifting its advice.
“I would say they were being cautious. There is no criticism from the Commonwealth,” he said.
“We are pleased to see Queensland quickly able to adjust their advice after the TGA did their rapid review and provided the conclusions about the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“We were able to solve it in a very short number of hours and provide the comfort and confidence.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said the vast majority of allergic reactions occurred within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccine.
Health Minister Greg Hunt. Source: AAP
He said the "precaution" remains for those who have had anaphylaxis related to a past vaccine.
"So, if you have had anaphylaxis related to a first dose of the vaccine, obviously you need to discuss with the doctor before you get the second dose that maybe it needs to be done in a hospital-run facility."
