Lt Gen John Frewen runs vaccine ‘war games’ with state leaders

Workplaces could be turned into vaccination centres as the government attempts to meet its goal to a shot to everyone who wants one by the end of the year.

Workplaces could be turned into vaccination centres and medical students may be recruited to help administer the jab as the government attempts to meet its goal of offering a coronavirus vaccine to everyone who wants one by the end of the year.

Lt Gen John Frewen — who was brought in last month to head up the revamped Covid vaccination program — spent much of Tuesday conducting “war game” scenarios with the states and territories where everything from supply issues to tropical weather events were canvassed as the nation prepares to “sprint” towards the end of the year.

Lieutenant General John Frewen speaks during a zoom meeting with state premiers and chief ministers at Scarborough House on July 6. Picture: Rohan Thomson/Getty Images

However, Lt Gen Frewen admitted some parts of the program have not gone to plan, and warned that supply issues could still affect the government’s goals.

“This is an ongoing program . some parts will go more quickly than others, and as we get more deeply into the program we need to monitor it very carefully,” Lt Gen Frewen said.

“When we get to September and October, if we’ve got the amounts of supply that we are forecast to have at those stages, that’s around about the time we may be able to look at bringing more choice into the program,” he said, referring to the possibility of offering the Pfizer jab to under-40s who currently are limited to the AstraZeneca vaccine if they have consulted with their GP.

Lieutenant General John Frewen during the “war games” vaccination meetings in Canberra. Picture: Rohan Thomson/Getty Images

“Because of supply issues, we’re prioritising Pfizer for certainly age groups, and we’re offering choice for those below 40, if they wish to take up AstraZeneca now, they can, under informed consent. When we have supplies of both we offer choice to individuals,” he said.

Lt Gen Frewen also flagged a greater involvement with the business community, whose representatives he is meeting with Wednesday morning.

“Many of these industries already do flu vaccinations … they are used to vaccinating their workforce, it is another efficiency, and it also take burden off health care if necessary.

“It’s another way to accelerate the program,” he said.

Lt Gen Frewen also flagged an increase in advertising and public information campaigns, which have been heavily criticised for their lack of effectiveness.

Originally published as Lt Gen John Frewen runs vaccine ‘war games’ with state leaders