New deal to see Melbourne make COVID-19 vaccine following successful trial
If trial of a COVID-19 vaccine by the University of Oxford proves to be successful, almost 85 million doses would be produced in Melbourne under a new deal by the federal government.
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Coronavirus vaccines made in Melbourne could be available within months following the inking of a new deal by the federal government.
The free vaccine will be gradually rolled out across the country in 2021 if trials are successful, with a $1.7 billion production agreement signed off for two of the most promising candidates.
Under the agreement, the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, and the University of Queensland and CSL will provide almost 85 million vaccine doses for Australia.
Almost every dose would be produced in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine to be administered in January and February next year if rubber-stamped.
Scott Morrison said the safety of the vaccines would need to be ensured before any would be administered.
“Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.
“By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.
“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful. However, the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”
The Oxford vaccine is one of the most advanced, currently in phase three trials.
The brains behind Australia’s own University of Queensland vaccine recently announced preclinical testing showed the vaccine was effective in animal models.
To date, a vaccine for a coronavirus has never been discovered but there is growing hope that a COVID-19 vaccine will be created.
It was expected elderly Australians and people working on the front line would be among the first to be vaccinated.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the jab would help keep Australians safe — but insisted it would not be mandatory.
“This vaccination, though, is fundamental to the safety of individuals and our nation and it will protect our elderly and our frail and we can all help save lives,” Mr Hunt sad.
“While the government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose.”
He said all vaccines would be looked at by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other experts to ensure their safety.
Science Minister Karen Andrews said Australia was well placed to make its own doses.
“Now our nation’s manufacturing prowess will ensure Australia is in the strongest position to roll out a vaccine as quickly as possible, if and when it proves safe and effective,” she said.
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