Australia has moved into phase B of the COVID-19 recovery plan after the country reached the 70 per cent double vaccinated milestone,and Health Minister Greg Hunt said more than 33 million vaccines have been administered to date.
“This is a testament to the work of Australians and it is a testament to our health professionals and everybody that has been involved in the vaccination program,” Mr Hunt said.
“There are many people still to come forward for first doses and there are many people still to come back for their second doses,and that second dose program is providing real and significant protection.”
The booster program depends on the Therapeutic Goods Administration approving Pfizer for that use,and advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation,but Mr Hunt said the regulator was in “advanced consideration” and is expected to make a decision soon.
Pfizer is the only vaccine currently in consideration for the program. Moderna and AstraZeneca have not submitted applications to the regulator at this stage. There are currently more than 7 million doses of all three COVID-19 vaccines in state-run clinics,GPs,pharmacies and storage facilities across Australia.
The Health Minister said the booster program would likely be delivered in two stages:a first rollout for aged care residents,starting in the second week of November,and then a program for the general population beginning some time before the end of the year.
”We’re ready,we’re in a position to commence,and to make sure that additional protection is provided.”