The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation's (ATAGI) said that because the Murrumbidgee region is classified as a non-outbreak setting, the 12 week interval should continue.

ATAGI recently updated its advice on AstraZeneca for areas facing COVID-19 outbreaks, now suggesting a wait of between four and eight weeks instead.

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Director of Wagga's vaccination hub at Glenrock Country Practice, Dr Ayman Shenouda, reiterated ATAGI's advice and reminded local residents that a shorter interval between AstraZeneca doses is only recommended in an outbreak setting.

"Residents who reside in outbreak settings, such as the Greater Sydney area, have a recommended interval of between four and eight weeks between AstraZeneca vaccine doses," he said.

"A 12 week gap between AstraZeneca doses is the most optimal interval, but the risk associated with outbreak settings means that shorter intervals are an acceptable option for building immunity faster.

"We are fortunate enough in the Murrumbidgee region to be in a non-outbreak COVID-19 setting, meaning that the preferred interval between doses of AstraZeneca remains at 12 weeks."

The COVID-19 vaccines are free to access via the vaccination hubs in Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Young, Deniliquin and Griffith, or at other participating practices in the Murrumbidgee region.

You can check your eligibility for the COVID vaccine online. If you are eligible for the vaccine you will be redirected to book or find a service near you.

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