Four people have had an allergic reaction to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Queensland with the state urging people with a history of anaphylaxis to avoid getting the jab.
The cases in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and two in Ipswich all occurred in the past 48 hours with the state government alerting the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The government has advised anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to avoid getting the vaccine.
Queensland Health director-general John Wakefield says allergic reactions are rare but "not a surprise" with a nurse previously having a reaction to the Pfizer jab earlier this month.
"The issue with this is getting four within a 48-hour period. We probably need to have a closer look at it," he told reporters.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were safe for the majority of the population, but there were clear warnings for people allergic to any ingredients of the doses.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women are warned to avoid the vaccines, she noted.
"This is not new news in the sense of, we are seeing allergic reactions, we are not surprised we're seeing allergic reactions, but we do want to let the public know," the minister said.
Brisbane's hospital, aged care facilities and disability providers are also set to come out lockdown on Friday after the state recorded no new cases of community virus transmission.
The lockdown began when a doctor tested positive on Friday after working at Princess Alexandra Hospital and visiting four venues in the city's south on Thursday.
The woman was infected by a patient who also infected a person staying in a separate room at Brisbane's Hotel Grand Chancellor quarantine facility.
Ms D'ath said about 330 of 428 close contacts of the doctor have tested negative for the virus, while no other cases have been reported among PA hospital staff or hotel workers and guests.
The minister said the lack of new community transmission after almost seven days meant the lockdown could end on Friday.
"We are in a very good position going forward over the next couple of days that will hopefully see us be able to lift those restrictions," she said.
Queensland reported six new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, all from overseas and already in hotel quarantine.
Australian Associated Press
