Truth on ­nation’s vaccine rollout to be unveiled

The reason behind nation’s slow vaccine rollout may soon be revealed, as tension between the Commonwealth and the states intensifies.

Australians are likely to know from Friday how many vaccine doses have been handed to states and how many have been administered under a plan to lift the veil on the ­nation’s rollout.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Sunday said he would be “very, very happy” to release the data, confirming it would be discussed at national cabinet at the end of the week.

It comes amid tension between the Commonwealth and the states over the slow rollout and who is to blame.

Only data on how many doses given — not the number delivered to the states but waiting to be administered — is released weekly after a previous national cabinet agreement.

But the Herald Sun believes the Prime Minister would like more data to be released daily, following criticism that the progress of the rollout was being kept secret.

So far, more than 841,000 Australians have been vaccinated, including at least 116,000 in Victoria.

Australia is expected to reach the one million vaccine milestone this week — significantly fewer than the four million initially expected by the end of March.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray

Federal government data released on Sunday showed more than 340 aged care homes had received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine and GPs delivered 275,732 vaccinations.

Mr Hunt said there would be no change to the vaccine rollout plans after a 44-year-old man was admitted to Box Hill Hospital with a rare blood clotting disorder “likely” linked to his AstraZeneca shot.

The man received his vaccine on March 22 and was then hospitalised with thrombosis.

Mr Hunt said that both the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) had not recommended any changes to the rollout despite the case.

“ATAGI has not changed its advice on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine at this time. ATAGI and the TGA are currently investigating this particular case and working with international experts and regulators to provide advice on the optimal use of the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Mr Hunt said.

“They have made sure that if anybody is susceptible, that they ought to consult their general practitioner.”

A 44-year-old man was admitted to Box Hill Hospital after recieving an AstraZeneca shot.

At the weekend, ATAGI released updated information advising people with a history of some severe clotting to skip vaccination for now.

Experts will meet again on Wednesday to discuss the evolving situation.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas on Sunday hit out at his federal counterparts over the speed of the rollout and the Commonwealth’s reluctance to accept help from states.

“We’ve made it clear to the Commonwealth that we think there needs to be greater transparency in terms of their rollout,” he said.

“They’re supposed to do two-thirds of the job of vaccination of the population. We’re charged with the responsibility of doing a third. We’re on track, and it would appear that they’re having difficulties.”