All You Need to Know About Australian Govt. COVID Vaccine Rollout Plan
Two additional COVID vaccines would also be available
The long wait for the COVID vaccine seems to be ending as the Aussie govt. has recently announced its rollout plan. The manufacturing might start this month, and the citizens will have the freedom to choose from different options. Read on to know the details.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has revealed that the COVID vaccine by Oxford AstraZeneca will begin manufacturing this month by a renowned vaccine manufacturer CSL. He also said that two additional COVID vaccines would also be available. It means that Aussies can pick from four different types of vaccines.
Hunt also made it clear that healthcare workers like nurses, doctors, and aged care workers as well as people who are at high risk would get the COVID vaccine from March. Then, it will be available for what the government considers as essential workers. It might include teachers and transport workers. The rest of Aussies might need to wait for their shots a few months after that. It might be till the end of 2021 when all Aussies get the vaccine. The govt. plans to reopen international borders at that time only.
Talking about the expectations, Hunt said, “The expectation is that everybody who sought vaccination would be vaccinated well within 2021. Our goal is to have the borders open, subject to vaccination and health advice, by the end of 2021.”
The Health Minister also stated that the govt. is aiming for her immunity, which means that about two-thirds of the population would be vaccinated. He also said that anti-vaxxers were not a particular concern. He said “Australians have been great vaccinators and whilst there is noise from the anti-vaxxers I think they’re making more noise but having less impact. The indications are already that there’s very, very high public interest in being vaccinated.”
The COVID vaccines would not be mandatory and will be free. You will need two doses, and they should be received 30 days apart. Every jab will be recorded by Australia’s immunisation register that will help the govt. to track any issues that may arise in the future. People who opt for the COVID-19 vaccine would need to report any adverse effects they might face. The plan still needs the approval of National Cabinet that will meet on November 13.
The Australian govt signed a deal to acquire millions of doses of COVID vaccine in August. It was announced that it would be mandatory, a statement that was retracted soon. So, it is not and will not ever (probably) be mandatory.
