Australia signs global deal securing possible vaccine through COVAX Facility
The Australian Government has joined the international COVAX Facility, putting the nation in a better position to secure sought-after doses if a coronavirus vaccine is produced.
Coronavirus
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coronavirus. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia will have access to some of the world’s leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates with the inking of a new global deal.
The Australian Government has joined the international COVAX Facility, putting the nation in a better position to secure sought-after doses if a vaccine is produced.
The initial $123.2 million investment will give Australia the opportunity to purchase doses for up to half the population if one of the vaccines under the scheme proves successful.
Purchases of doses will then be negotiated once a vaccine is proven safe and effective.
COVAX was launched in April with the aims of accelerating the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, while guaranteeing fair and equitable access for every country.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the agreement was an important strategic move for the nation.
“Whoever finds a COVID-19 vaccine must share it,” Mr Hunt said.
“Australia signing up to the COVAX Facility is an important part of our commitment to this principle.”
“Being a part of COVAX means we’re giving Australians the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine, but also our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and partners overseas.”
Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, announced this week that 64 “higher income” countries had joined the COVAX program, with another 38 on the verge of signing.
The agreements unlock funding for vaccine research and development, with nine candidates currently receiving support, including eight in clinical trials.
The aim is to develop at least three safe and effective vaccines and deliver two billion doses by the end of 2021.
“COVAX is now in business: governments from every continent have chosen to work together, not only to secure vaccines for their own populations, but also to help ensure that vaccines are available to the most vulnerable everywhere,” Gavi chief executive Dr Seth Berkley said.
Among the vaccine candidates within COVAX are the promising Moderna and Novavax trials.
In August, Australia donated $80 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said a successful vaccine will play a “critical role” in the economy recovery of the region.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as global community to ensure that our response leaves no one behind,” Senator Payne said.
“The facility is a major endeavour, but together we can work to end the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021.”
Australia has already signed deals with Oxford University and AstraZeneca, as well as the University of Queensland and CSL for supply of vaccines.