The COVID-19 vaccine has been rolled out for over 50s.
Premier Mark McGowan received his first dose last week, and introduced the slogan ‘Roll Up for WA’.
Member for Armadale Dr Tony Buti rolled up his sleeve on Friday, May 7 and received his first dose at his local medical centre.
“I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine,’ he said.
“If you’re aged 50 or over please Roll up for WA and protect yourself by getting vaccinated.”
“Call 13 COVID (13 26843) to book your appointment at a COVID-19 vaccination community clinic.”
The AstraZeneca vaccine is administered in two doses, which are given three months apart.
The Department of Health Australia said receiving the vaccine is voluntary and AstraZeneca does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot give recipients COVID-19.
AstraZeneca can be used in people aged 18 and above and is safe and effective.
According to the Department of Health the vaccine was proven to be highly effective in clinical trials, before it was registered for public use, and has been successful in studies of people vaccinated in England and Scotland, who have had the vaccine available for some time.
There has been a rare side effect reported after receiving AstraZeneca that is called ‘thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome’ or TTS, which involves blood clotting and low blood platelet levels.
It is unsure if specific groups are more at risk of developing TTS as a side-effect to the vaccine, but it appears to be higher in young adults and more common in women.
Anyone with a history of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are recommended to receive the Pfizer vaccine instead.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines visit https://www.health.gov.au.
Any questions or concerns can be raised with your immuniser provider or GP before you receive the vaccine.
