HEALTH Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed that front-line health workers including pharmacists, nurses, doctors, pathologists and aged care staff will be the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Hunt said the roll-out plan for the immunisation was still subject to approval by the National Cabinet, citing "high confidence" that COVID-19 vaccinations would begin in the first quarter of 2021.
"The evidence on first quarter of 2021 is strengthening and it's likely that new contracts would also involve first quarter delivery, so you know we're thinking March maybe possible," Hunt (pictured) said.
He also laid out Government expectations that everyone seeking to be vaccinated could receive their COVID-19 jab "well within 2021," meaning that Australia's international borders could be open by the end of next year.
CSL is likely to begin manufacturing the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine this month, with other deals in the works including an mRNA vaccine and a contract for the University of Qld-CSL vaccine for 51 million units.
Hunt cited new data from Oxford this week which showed the "protective capabilities for older participants in the vaccine programs has been exceptionally good," with further detail on the proposed rollout to come in Dec.
Australia will also support the regional rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Indo-Pacific region.
"We are securing access to COVID-19 vaccines for Australia, the Pacific and Southeast Asia through a range of advance purchase agreements with manufacturers," said Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
As well as supplying safe and effective doses and delivering technical support to regional partners, "Australia will assist with assessment of vaccine safety, efficacy and quality by national regulatory authorities, informed by WHO advice," she added.
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