Australia’s coronavirus vaccine rollout will begin on 22 February after the first doses of the Pfizer jab arrived in Sydney.
“The eagle has landed,” Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
More than 142,000 doses are being taken to a secure location and batches will be assessed for damage and quality in the coming days.
Mr Hunt said 60 per cent of the shipment would be given to the states to begin the process of vaccinating frontline health workers, hotel quarantine staff and aged care workers and residents.
The federal government will have about 30,000 doses available for aged care facilities.
“Today is an important day,” Mr Hunt said.
“It is the next step in a careful plan based on safety, and this is about protecting Australians.”
It’s expected that at least 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered by the end of February.
More to come.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
