Jeannette Young hits back at claims she is to blame for QLD’s vaccine hesitancy after AZ warning

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young stands ‘firm’ on her vaccine advice discouraging young people from getting the AstraZeneca jab, despite Queensland’s growing outbreak.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has responded to claims she is responsible for Queensland’s vaccine hesitancy following her advice against AstraZeneca for those under 60.

Dr Young has doubled down on her advice from June that those under 40 should refrain from getting the AstraZeneca jab following reports of a rare blood clotting syndrome linked to the vaccine.

When asked whether her warnings around AstraZeneca were responsible for Queensland’s vaccine hesitancy, Dr Young responded, “I don’t believe we have the highest vaccine hesitancy”.

“I want to see that anyone who is 60 or older immediately gets vaccinated. I am concerned there is a significant proportion of that group and that group is most at risk of getting the worst outcomes that are not vaccinated.”

She added: “Anyone younger than 60 should talk to their GP about what their risks are and what they should do.

“This is the time that people who are under age 60 should be talking to their GP about what is best for them as an individual. GPs know their patients and know what advice to give them.”

On Monday, Dr Young said she remained ‘firm’ on the stance against AstraZeneca.

“I remain firm, they need to – as per the ATAGI and the TGA advice, and advice if you look around the world, they need to – if they think they have a particular risk, immediately go and talk to their own doctor,” she said.

“I said I still didn’t want 18-year-olds to have AstraZeneca, and I still don’t.”

Queensland’s three-day lockdown – which was scheduled to end on Tuesday afternoon – will now be extended until Sunday August 8.

The sunshine state recorded 16 new locally acquired cases on Tuesday – all linked to the current cluster.