Nick, 33, isn’t yet eligible for the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine but that didn’t stop him from booking an appointment and getting the jab.
He said he received his first Pfizer shot after a friend sent him a Queensland Health link that appears to let people book in despite not meeting the priority criteria.
Nick said five of his friends and his wife had booked Pfizer vaccinations using the same link.
The Feed has seen this link, which as of 3pm on Wednesday, was still live on the Queensland Health website.
After filling out the form, Nick said he received an email inviting him to book a vaccination.
“I got my invitation, and I just went in, got my [first] vaccine, no harm no foul,” Nick told The Feed.
“I was really interested in making that happen. Both in the interest of my own health but also for the benefit of Australia and opening-up.”
Under 40s are not currently eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine unless they meet the for an exemption.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends Pfizer as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to 59 years.
The AstraZeneca vaccine can be provided to people aged 18 to 59 after a discussion with a GP.
Australians aged under 40 can expect to become eligible for a Pfizer or Moderna shot around "September or October", according to the head of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine taskforce.
Professor Alexandra Martiniuk from The University of Sydney’s School of Public Health said “we need to ensure those who are the highest risk are vaccinated first”.
Vials of BioNTech/Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine are lined up at Allergopharma's production facilities in Reinbek near Hamburg. Source: AAP
She believes prioritising vaccinations for the most vulnerable will help Australia return to “COVID-normal” as soon as possible.
“I understand we have a good, but limited amount of Pfizer until the next shipment,” Professor Martiniuk said.
“It is feasible that vaccinating someone who is not eligible – means someone else who is eligible cannot receive theirs before the next shipments.”
The Feed has spoken to several Australians, like Nick, who have been able to get a Pfizer jab despite not being officially eligible.
Jason*, 32, booked in for a Pfizer vaccine through the federal government’s ‘Vaccine Eligibility Checker’ by falsely claiming that his roommate was a hotel quarantine worker.
“It came up with a list of locations that you can go and get the vaccination from. And then each of those locations has their own external link, which takes you through their own registration process,” he said.
When Jason showed up for his first vaccination in Sydney, no proof was required to show his eligibility other than his ID and Medicare card.
“I did this because I don’t think under 40s should have to wait until October to be eligible, the management of the vaccination rollout is a joke,” he told The Feed.
A woman receiving a Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at an NHS Vaccination Clinic at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in north London. Source: AAP
Jo*, 27, said she got her first Pfizer jab without even making a booking, by simply rocking up to a Brisbane vaccination hub.
Her friend, who works in health care, had told her that Doomben Racecourse was accepting all ages to be vaccinated.
“I literally just walked in, took my licence, got the vaccine and then I’m booked in for my second one in two weeks’ time,” Jo said.
“It was very easy and I know maybe like seven to 10 other people around my age who just went and did the same thing that weekend.”
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said last month that “bookings are preferred at Queensland Health’s community vaccination locations and will take priority.”
“Any walk-ins, especially to South East Queensland locations, can expect extended wait times,” she added.
Jo said that, despite getting the Pfizer vaccination, she would’ve taken an AstraZeneca vaccine if it was given to her.
“I just think it's incredibly unfair that it kind of depends on what location you're in if you can get a vaccine before your age group comes up.”
Professor Martiniuk believes stricter measures should be in place to make sure people prove their eligibility before booking for the Pfizer vaccination.
She said she’s aware of some clinics that were not checking evidence of eligibility.
“I know this lack of evidence checking was occurring from at least mid-May to mid-June 2021 and could still be occurring.”
Professor Martiniuk said that, while it’s crucial to have everyone vaccinated as early as possible, there is currently not enough Pfizer vaccine for it to be widely available for the general population.
“We must take a staged approach based on the risk profile of the person until we receive further shipments of Pfizer and then also Moderna.”
The Feed has contacted NSW Health and Queensland Health for a response.
*Name changed to protect individuals’ identities.
