Pfizer and Moderna available to all Australians from October 1

A major Covid-19 vaccine change has been announced that will come into effect from tomorrow.

Aussies aged 60 and older will be able to receive Pfizer or Moderna from their GP or pharmacy around the country from Friday, Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced.

Hundreds of thousands of older Australians have reportedly remained hesitant about getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Mr Hunt said it would become clear in coming weeks how many of those hesitant over 60s were now willing to get Pfizer and Moderna instead.

“For older Australians, there are over 300,000 that may have been waiting (for mRNA vaccines),” the Health Minister said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said he hoped the hundreds of thousands of older Australians who were hesitant about AstraZeneca would now come forward to get Pfizer or Moderna. Picture: iStock

Older Australians were previously restricted to the AstraZeneca vaccine while the country’s limited supplies of Pfizer and Moderna were reserved for younger Australians.

But as Australia’s mRNA supplies have skyrocketed over the past few months, these restrictions have been dumped.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday that mRNA vaccines would now be available to over 60s in her state.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the same for his jurisdiction on Thursday morning.

Mr Hunt confirmed these new vaccine access rules would now apply to the whole country from October 1.

Older Australians were previously restricted to the AstraZeneca vaccine while the country’s limited supplies of Pfizer and Moderna were reserved for younger Australians. Picture: HAZEM BADER / AFP.

“This is the opportunity for every person over 60 to come forward no matter what previous hesitation they may have had,” he said.

“Have confidence in these vaccines - whether its AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna – any one can save your life.”

The Health Minister confirmed Victoria had also agreed to make Pfizer and Moderna available to everyone aged over 12.

“We have less than 450,000 Australians left to reach the (first dose) 80 per cent mark,” Mr Hunt said.

“The news that our over 60s can visit any GP or any pharmacy that offers Pfizer or Moderna to get their vaccination, means the opportunity is there (to reach 80 per cent).

“Please come forward. Please get vaccinated.”