The Morrison government anticipates freeing up thousands more vaccine doses for distribution, and is set to formally approve a $200 million-plus, purpose built quarantine facility for Melbourne, as pressure builds in the wake of Victoria’s seven-day lockdown.

The government is also hoping that at a meeting on Wednesday, the medical expert group which advises on vaccines will change its view on the risks associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, of which there is a more plentiful supply, and enable it to be given to those aged under 50.