First batches of local AstraZeneca vaccine loaded on truck for distribution
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia's COVID-19 vaccine program is accelerating at a "significant rate" as the first batches of locally made AstraZeneca doses have been loaded onto a truck for distribution today.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the release of more than 832,000 doses of the local AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday.
Four batches of vaccine vials have been placed on a truck at the Parkville facility in Melbourne, and will be distributed to clinics across the country.
READ MORE: TGA approves AstraZeneca vaccine for Australians
The vaccines have been loaded onto a truck for distribution. Nine
Australia has also received another shipment of the Pfizer vaccine, with 159,000 doses arriving yesterday.
"They will be distributed via aged care and by the states and so the program is accelerating at a significant rate," Mr Hunt said
A record number of aged care vaccinations were delivered across the country yesterday, with over 4600 jabs administered.
The first four batches totalling more than 830,000 doses have been placed on a truck. Nine
There were 116,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines given in the past week.
AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand president Liz Chatwin described the release as a "proud moment".
"Being able to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine here in Australia provides local certainty of supply in our efforts against COVID-19," she said.
"Australians can feel confident that this vaccine, locally made by our partner, CSL, meets the high standards of efficacy, safety and quality required for use in Australia."
READ MORE: AstraZeneca says US trial data shows vaccine 79 per cent effective
The locally made AstraZeneca vaccine will be produced by CSL in Melbourne. AP
The release comes as the nation's vaccine rollout hit a snag this week, with 38 GP clinics yet to receive the vials due to severe flooding in parts of New South Wales and Queensland.
The doses will be delivered as soon as it is safe to do so, Mr Hunt said.
"Trucks rolled through the rain, they rolled through the challenges and they actually got it down to 38, so that is a real tribute to our distribution," he said.
"We will make sure they have the doses and if they need a double dose in the second week, once they're able to practise, that will be arranged.
"So our GPs are doing a great job around Australia."
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