Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt affirmed Thursday that the country will recommend only people over 60 to receive AstraZeneca's vaccine.
The remark arrives after a spate of blood clots in those who have received the inoculation.
Australia administered 3.3 million doses of the vaccine, which was linked to 60 cases of blood clots, the government revealed. So far, two people have died, which Hunt said has driven the policy shift.
In a press statement, Hunt stressed that the government places safety above all else, noting this updated advice received is based on new evidence demonstrating a higher risk for the very rare (thrombocytopenia syndrome) condition in the 50-59 year old age group.
Several European Union member countries have stopped administering the vaccine to people below a certain age, usually ranging from 50 to 65, as well as restricted its use to older people due to very rare cases of blood clotting, which was mainly among young people.
Hunt added that the recommendation would not delay its inoculation timetable, which targets giving at least one coronavirus vaccine dose to every citizen before the end of 2021.
Australia has successfully managed the past outbreaks through snap lockdowns, swift contact tracing, and strict social distancing rules. It has reported about 30,300 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.