Australia approves AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19

Health Ministry of Australia has approved the AstraZeneca vaccine as its second for use against COVID-19.

According to the media reports, Pfizer’s product will be available in Australia next week. It will be given in two doses three weeks apart, while AstraZeneca’s will be administered in two doses 12 weeks apart.

In this regard, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the regulator, found the AstraZeneca vaccine was safe and effective.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the AstraZeneca vaccine will prevent serious COVID-19 illness. Moreover, Morrison will be vaccinated with the Pfizer product and Hunt with AstraZeneca in a demonstration of confidence in both vaccines.

On the other hand, around five million Australians are set to receive another $250 coronavirus payment from as early as March as the government’s economic lifelines complete their final stages.

As part of the “Economic Support Payment” – its first batch was delivered in December 2020 – now for the second batch, the payment will go straight into eligible receiver’s bank accounts. For others, make sure they are eligible by February 26 to receive it.

It is worth mentioning here that, Australia has contracted 53.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and 50 million of those will be manufactured in Australia. The government has also secured 20 million Pfizer vaccines for a population of 26 million.