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Comment by kmlx | Hacker News Reader

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kmlx

a number of q's:

1. isn't AZN available?

2. how many lockdowns have there been in Australia overall?

3. is there any criticism regarding closing the borders for so long considering you're now in a lockdown?

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1. For those over 50 due to blood clotting side effects.

The government recently palmed off the decision for those under that age to GPs to approve to try to mask their incompetence..

A diversion tactic at best. Useful for those with comorbidities to get AZ I suppose. Those more likely to die of covid than any clot.

2. Depends on the state. I'm in Melbourne, so five.

3. Not widespread, no. I am sure some people feel very strongly about it though.

1. Yes but there have been the issues with blood clotting 2. I've lost count of the total number of lockdowns across all states but there have been two lengthy ones so far, one in Victoria and one in New South Wales. 3. Plenty. Problem is we've been quarantining international return travellers in hotels close to the cities and it's virtually impossible to not have that leak into the community.

In Melbourne the hotel isn't just close to the city, but directly in the CBD a couple of blocks from Flinders St Station.

There are multiple in the city AFAIK. I cycle past one on the way to work...

Not the OP but I believe that AZ is available but only for the over 60s.

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-...

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for people 18 years and older.

I stand corrected, it seems that the over 60s are advised to have AZ, and under 60s Pfizer, but that's just a recommendation:

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-...

Available, but the recommendations from ATAGI have been contextually shifting and could be summed up as 'if there isn't an outbreak then the risk profile means under 60s should probably wait for pfizer'

https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-revised-re...

For people under 60 you need to give informed consent due to the (rare) blood clotting issue. From the same link:

> If you are aged 18-59 years of age, you can choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:

> - following an appropriate assessment of suitability by a qualified health professional; and

> - if you provide verbal or written consent.

This extra hurdle and some mixed messaging about the risks has made many people hesitant

Technically available, if you can jump hurdles..

I bet in the US I can go and get any vaccine I choose. There's a lot of advantages to living in Australia, this isn't one of them.

I've had friends in their 20s have their GP deny them getting it.

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