Australians have moved to the front of the line to receive a coronavirus vaccine after a $1.7 billion commitment by the federal government secured priority access to multiple potential vaccines.
A statement released last night revealed the federal government sealed a deal to ensure priority access to an Oxford University developed potential vaccine which would be manufactured in Melbourne and distributed by AstraZeneca. Under the deal, potentially 3.8 million doses would be available to Australians in January and February next year if the trial-drug proved successful.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said once a vaccine was developed, it would be made free for all Australians, however, health care workers and the vulnerable would be given priority access. A University of Queensland trial vaccine was also included in the deal and would be distributed by CSL if successful. Mr Morrison is expected to reveal further details about the deal later today. Image: AP
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coronavirus alerts issued to Sydney bar and gym goers | Sky News AustraliaResidents in the inner west and eastern suburbs of Sydney are on high alert after a popular bar and gym closed for cleaning. \n\nAnyone who visited Kuleto’s Cocktail Bar in Newtown last Friday night has been told to get tested immediately and isolate for two weeks. \n\nAnyone who attended a gym in Bondi and another in Randwick has also been told to get tested immediately. \n\nNSW recorded eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 yesterday, with eight linked to known outbreaks and one linked to hotel quarantine. \n\nNSW Health has urged anyone who lives in the Sydney metropolitan region or Central Coast areas \n n against visiting anyone in aged care facilities for Father’s Day tomorrow. \n
Read more »
Anti-mask activists protest coronavirus safety measures in Rome | Sky News AustraliaHundreds of anti-vaccine activists and conspiracy theorists have gathered in Rome to protest against coronavirus safety measures. \n\nThose involved in the rally spoke against the Italian government's enforcement of face masks, arguing it impeded on personal freedoms. \n\nItaly is one of Europe's worst-hit countries with more than 35,000 fatalities and 1,695 new infections reported on Saturday alone. \n\nImage: AP
Read more »
Australia clinches vaccine production deals worth $1.7bThe deals will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for Australia and its regional neighbours.
Read more »
Positive coronavirus cases detected in SA wastewater and in hotel quarantineWastewater testing in South Australia returns evidence of coronavirus at two treatment plants, while a Victorian woman on her way to the Northern Territory has also tested positive.
Read more »
WHO: Vaccine not likely until mid-2021 | Sky News AustraliaThe World Health Organisation says it does not expect a COVID-19 vaccine to be widely available until the middle of next year. \n\nA spokesperson announced the clinical trials of multiple vaccines across the world were promising but acknowledged the third and most rigorous phase of testing would take the longest. \n\nThe global body said health care workers and other vulnerable groups would likely be the first to receive vaccines.\n\nThey also stressed a vaccine for the coronavirus was a 'global public good' that must be available to the entire world.
Read more »