Everything you need to know about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination options

The global race to produce and secure a COVID-19 vaccine has raised more questions than answers. Here’s what you need to know.

As scientists across the world race to produce a COVID-19 vaccine, many Australians are eagerly waiting for the groundbreaking jab to become available commercially.

The process has raised many questions not only about the timeframe but also where it will be available and who will get it first.

Here are some of the most common questions answered.

WHAT POTENTIAL VACCINE OPTIONS HAS AUSTRALIA SECURED?

There are several potential vaccine options being produced right now that could serve the Australian community.

The federal government has secured 134.8 million doses through agreements with The University of Queensland, AstraZeneca-Oxford University, Novavax and Pfizer.

Oxford University’s vaccine is in the most progressed stages, and if successful, 3.8 million doses will be delivered to Australia early next year, while another 30 million doses will be manufactured by CSL in Melbourne in monthly batches.

Health Minister Greg Hunt visits the National Biologics Facility at the University of Queensland where phase 1 of clinical trials are under way. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“I have this evening been briefed by the Australian CEO who has confirmed that AstraZeneca is now looking to proceed with Australia regulatory approval in the coming weeks, if not sooner,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“Subject to approval, this means that Australians are very much on track for the first vaccines in March.”

In September, Novavax launched phase 3 its clinical trials in the UK, with large-scale trials planned for other countries later this year.

If successful, 40 million doses of the Novavax will be made available in Australia next year, and the federal government has the option to buy another 10 million.

Another option is the Pfizer vaccine, but before that is approved for use in Australia it must pass the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rigorous assessment and approval processes.

If it does, 10 million doses will be available to Australians from early 2021. Those doses will be produced internationally, and the government has the option to buy more.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the CSL Lab in Melbourne where a COVID-19 vaccine is being produced. Picture: Darrian Traynor /Pool/Getty Images via NCA NewsWire

Back on home soil, scientists at the University of Queensland are working around the clock to make their potential COVID-19 vaccine a reality.

If successful, 51 million doses will be available from mid-2021 and manufactured in Australia by CSL.

Mr Hunt said it was likely different vaccines would be used in different circumstances, but what those “circumstances are” still remains unknown.

WHO WILL GET IT FIRST?

Earlier this month the federal government revealed who would take priority on the basis of advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Mr Hunt said one of the vaccines should be ready by March. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Three priority groups were identified including “those who have an increased risk, relative to others, of developing severe disease or outcomes from COVID‑19, and those working in services critical to societal functioning”.

On Tuesday Mr Hunt said the nation’s vaccination timeline was “beginning to strengthen”.

“The news from overseas is that we are on track for first vaccines in March. That will obviously start with the health workers and, if approvals are granted, for the elderly,” he said.

“It is common sense in Australia but also around the world (that) health workers and the elderly (were identified) as our priority.”

IF WE GET JABBED CAN WE GO OVERSEAS?

The Department of Health did not comment on this query specifically but was adamant that the vaccine was not mandatory.

“While the government fully supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate,” the health department said.

On Tuesday Qantas boss Alan Joyce revealed passengers would have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they could travel internationally with the airline.

He also told A Current Affair he was not ruling out extending that to domestic flights.

Scientists from across the world are racing around the clock to create a potential vaccine.

“We are looking at changing our terms and conditions, to say for international, that we will ask people to have a vaccination before getting on the aircraft,” Mr Joyce said.

“We think for international visitors coming out, and people leaving the country, we think that's a necessity.”

WHERE WILL PEOPLE BE ABLE TO GET THE VACCINE?

Australians will be able to get vaccinated at GPs, hospitals, respiratory clinics and state and territory vaccinations clinics.

It will not be available at your local pharmacy “due to the targeting of priority populations, cold chain storage requirements and the use of multi dose vials”, the health department said.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO GET JABBED?

The vaccine is free and will be accessible to every Australian.

The federal government has purchased more vaccines than what is needed for the entire population.

Mr Hunt said the expectation was that all Australians would be given access to a free vaccine on a voluntary basis during the course of 2021.

HOW LONG BETWEEN JABS?
All vaccine candidates require two doses, administered about one month apart.