Victoria runs out of Pfizer first doses but minister urges ‘don’t give up’
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30.08.2021

Victoria runs out of Pfizer first doses but minister urges ‘don’t give up’

Pfizer in Victoria
Words by Lucas Radbourne

Victoria has temporarily run out of Pfizer vaccine supplies for first doses, but state health minister Martin Foley is urging people to keep trying.

Foley confirmed that Victoria has temporarily run out of Pfizer vaccine supply for people looking for their first vaccination dose on Monday.

However, the Victorian health minister said that people who have already received their first Pfizer dose would still be able to make appointments for their second dose.

“Whilst there currently are no Pfizer bookings available right now for first doses in that system, don’t give up,”  Foley told the daily press conference.

What you need to know

  • Pfizer vaccine supplies have temporarily run out for Victorians securing their first dose
  • Supply remains for Victorians who have already received a single dose
  • Victoria’s health minister is urging people to continue trying, and to consider AstraZeneca

Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.

“As more becomes available from the commonwealth, we put more systems in place,” Foley continued.

“It just goes to show again, how strong the demand for Victorians, if we get the supply to get people vaccinated.”

Victoria’s vaccine rollout surged after Pfizer eligibility was extended to people between 16 and 29-years-old, with Victorian GPs and pharmacies set to join the vaccine rollout tomorrow.

Pfizer supply to the states and territories remains limited, with Australia expected to receive additional shipments of fellow MRNA vaccine Moderna in the coming weeks. However, Foley was insistent that Victorians unable to secure a Pfizer vaccine should consider AstraZeneca instead.

“If you can’t land one today through the state-run clinics, come back and have a look tomorrow,” he said.

“The fantastically effective AstraZeneca vaccine continues to be available at state centres and at GPS and continues to be the ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) endorsed vaccine, especially for the over 60s.

“The best one that is available for you, is the one that’s available today.”

After the state recorded 73 new cases on Monday, watch the Victorian government’s full press conference here.