As of August 14, 4.4 million Australian’s have had their fourth dose.
Anthony Albanese has announced that a new partnership will see over 100 million doses of mRNA vaccine be produced every year until 2032.
The initiative comes from an arrangement between the Australian and Victorian governments as well as pharmaceutical company Moderna.
A facility will be established at Monash University which will see the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine- Spikevax-developed to help fight future outbreaks or pandemics.
It’s hopeful that once the facility becomes operational, over 100 million vaccines can be produced yearly with the Prime Minister saying it’ll also support local industry and jobs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a once in a generation challenge that gives us a once in a generation opportunity to come back stronger and better than ever,” said Mr Albanese.
“The pandemic has shown us how important local manufacturing capability is to our security and to our health.
“This significant deal will protect Australians and Australian sovereignty.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says this will be the only centre of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and that Victoria as well as Australia will no longer need to depend on other countries for vaccines.
“We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability – it will save lives, create jobs and strengthen Victoria’s position as a national leader in medical manufacturing.”
This announcement comes after the Australian government recently purchased 255 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Health Minister Mark Butler only 60 million doses have been used while a further 40 million have been donated to nations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
“If it does turn out that we have a surplus, then I’d want to have a range of options in front of us as to what to do with any surplus vaccines we were contractually required to take,” he said.
As of 14 August 4.4 million Australian’s have had their fourth dose.
