Australia to receive first batch of AstraZeneca’s vaccine for COVID-19 by New Year’s Day

·

Australia’s first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are on track to be ready by New Year’s Day.

Vaccine manufacturer CSL, which began producing AstraZeneca’s jab formula on November 9, expects the initial batch to be finished on December 28.

It takes approximately 50 days to make each batch of the vaccine, the company has told News Corp.

Before the jab can be administered clinical trials will have to prove it works and the TGA will have to assess its safety and efficacy. This is unlikely to happen before late January.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has forecast the first doses of any successful COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out from March next year.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has forecast the first doses of any successful COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out from March next year. Picture: Getty Images

“The overall program is tracking well and first doses are still planned for release in the first half of 2021, pending the outcome of clinical trials and regulatory approval,” a CSL spokesperson said.

“There’s still a way to go and our first priority remains the safety and efficacy of the vaccines produced. We are undertaking these manufacturing activities in parallel with the clinical trials and regulatory approvals processes in recognition of the significant urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The AstraZeneca jab, formulated in conjunction with Oxford University, is one of four coronavirus vaccines purchased by the federal government.

Purchasing agreements have also been struck with Pfizer/BioNtech, Novavax and the University of Queensland.

Vials with a sticker reading, “COVID-19” are seen in front of a displayed AstraZeneca logo in this illustration taken October 31, 2020. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

Two vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna have already reported on clinical trials showing their shots were are 95 per cent and 94.5 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19.

Australia’s vaccine agreements include the purchase of 10 million units of the Pfizer vaccine, 33 million units of the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, 40 million units of the Novavax vaccine and 51 million doses of the University of Queensland vaccine.

The vaccines — all which are due to be available in 2021 — require two doses to be administered several weeks apart.

Sourced By: Daily Telegraph

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Tasmania hosts Synapantema as Pontians honour genocide motion

The Synapantema is a long standing and much anticipated annual gathering of Pontian Australians. Read more about their Tasmanian event here.

John Kostoulias resigns as President of Greek Elderly Federation amid health concerns

John Kostoulias has resigned from his role as President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria.

Greece and Cyprus at Eurovision 2025: What to expect

As excitement builds for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, all eyes are on Basel, Switzerland, where 37 countries will compete for the crown.

Iconic Kensington restaurant Grotta Capri faces demolition for new housing

A once-iconic Sydney restaurant is set to disappear as the former Grotta Capri site in Kensington is approved for redevelopment.

Oakleigh Grammar’s Head of Marketing awarded Clemenger BBDO Scholarship

Oakleigh Grammar's Head of Marketing Daniel Ware has been awarded the Clemenger BBDO Scholarship from Melbourne Business School.

You May Also Like

Teen cricket prodigy Sam Konstas set to rewrite SCG history

Sam Konstas is set to break a 117-year-old record as the youngest Australian Test player at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Greek PM reflects on Tempi train tragedy as anniversary approaches

Ahead of the second anniversary of the deadly Tempi train collision, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed his cabinet on Wednesday.

Former Bishop of Thessaloniki Anthimos dies at 91

Elder Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Anthimos, has passed away at the age of 91. Read more details via The Greek Herald.