Australia’s national vaccination policy has been endorsed

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia needs to be ready for when vaccines have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

And with forecasts that a vaccine could be available in Australia from early 2021, it’s likely going to happen sooner rather than later.

Here’s what we know so far about how a successful COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out in Australia.

 

Who gets the vaccine first?

A successful vaccine will first be handed out to three priority groups under the plan.

They include those at increased risk of exposure including health and aged care workers, those working in critical jobs and those at an increased risk of getting COVID-19.

What will the vaccine dose cost me?

COVID-19 vaccines will be available for free to all Australian citizens, permanent residents and most visa holders, according to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

However, under the plan, visa sub-classes 771 (Transit), 600 (Tourist stream), 651 (eVisitor) and 601 (Electronic Travel Authority) will be excluded.

How will Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine be rolled out?

Planning is underway while the vaccines are being developed but it’s difficult to set a plan in stone because each vaccine will have its own storage, handling and administration requirements.

At this stage, the Federal Government is set to work on regulation of vaccines, their acceptance from manufacturers, storage and transport, funding policy and data collection and monitoring.

The state and territory governments will look after how a successful vaccine will be delivered to people at vaccination sites.