Graph shows Australia way off virus vaccine target, but Hunt insists October deadline on track

Australia is in danger of missing a major COVID-19 vaccine target and while the Health Minister says one thing, this graph says another.

The federal government could miss another target in its troubled vaccine rollout, with its aim to have made six million doses available by mid-May under threat.

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed a record 72,826 vaccines were administered on Tuesday, claiming the rollout was “accelerating exactly as intended”.

But earlier this month, the government released material pledging to make six million doses available to frontline and health workers by May 10, a target that would require a rapid escalation to meet.

“Our goal is to make sure that we are in a position where phase 2A begins in the middle of the year. That remains on track,” Mr Hunt said.

The government aims to have six million vaccines distributed by May 10, but is in danger of missing that target.

More than 670,000 Australians have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, well behind initial estimates.

But Mr Hunt claimed the nation remained on track to administer a first dose to all Australians by October.

“What we have done is made sure that we set out in terms of the time frame, a conservative time frame,” he said.

“I remember in early January where people were demanding everything now and we said that we would follow the safety protocols.”

Greg Hunt insists the vaccination rollout is accelerating ‘exactly as intended’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Crosling

The government is facing criticism for coming nowhere near its target of four million vaccinations by the end of March, spruiked by Mr Morrison in early January.

Vaccine supply was subsequently dented by export blockages imposed by the European Union, prompting the government to adjust its public expectations.

But Mr Hunt would not reveal when Australia would reach four million vaccinations.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud prompted a stoush between the states and federal government, telling the states to “pull their finger out” over slow vaccine rates.

The government has walked away from its target to vaccinate four million Australians by the end of March, citing supply issues. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian lashed the “extremely unfair” intervention, while Health Minister Brad Hazzard demanded an apology from the Commonwealth.

But Mr Hunt played down tensions, saying national cabinet had proved an “extraordinary vehicle” for the rollout and some friction was inevitable.

“I think all of them are doing their absolute best and doing an excellent job,” he said.

“We have confidence in all of the states and territories. They are all managing their programs as they best see fit and they are working towards making sure that all of those vaccines are used.”