Pfizer dose intervals cut as Victorian COVID-19 cases spike

The time between Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses will be halved to three weeks in Victoria, as the state records 1438 new locally acquired infections and five deaths.

The interval change kicks in from October 4, so anyone who has received their first dose of Pfizer will be able to bring forward their second vaccination.

The vaccine booking system will be updated overnight on October 3.

There will also be a shift in 88,000 Moderna vaccine doses from community pharmacies to state clinics to hasten the rollout, with pharmacists struggling to cope with the sudden demand.

“It’s very difficult for pharmacists and others to go from zero to hundreds and hundreds of thousands of doses administered in the early stages,” Premier Daniel Andrews said today.

Victoria has reached the 80 per cent milestone of first vaccine doses for the eligible population.

The landmark comes, however, as the state sees a troublesome shift in case numbers.

Another 1438 new locally acquired infections and five deaths have been recorded.

The jump is being blamed on illegal social gatherings.

“This is more than a 50 per cent increase on yesterday’s daily numbers and I’m sure that’ll be of great concern to all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.

“We were very clear those numbers would go up. They go up faster, of course, if people don’t follow the rules.”

He again urged Victorians to stop visiting each other in their homes and breaching public health orders.

Additionally, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will now be available to anyone aged over 12, meaning over-60s can choose between them and AstraZeneca.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced changes to the national rollout on Wednesday, mirroring measures in states including NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

“This is the opportunity for every person over 60 to come forward, no matter what previous hesitation they may have had,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Mr Hunt said the AstraZeneca vaccine was an outstanding world-class vaccine which had fuelled first-dose vaccine coverage past 94 per cent over people over 70.

“These vaccines – whether it’s AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna – any one of them can save your life and it can save and protect the lives of those around you,” he said.

“Please don’t wait, please don’t hesitate, please come forward.”