COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer is approved for use in Australia

The nation’s medical regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.

The TGA said following a thorough and independent review of Pfizer’s submission, it was decided the vaccine met the high safety, efficacy and quality standards required.

It is the first COVID-19 jab to be approved for use in Australia. The approval is on a provisional basis, meaning it is valid for two years. It allows the vaccine to be supplied in Australia for people aged 16 and older. Two doses will be required at least 21 days apart.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the decision.

“Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by our world-class safety regulator,” he said. “Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods. “Today’s approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people.”

COVID-19 vaccine not mandatory

The Government wants to start rolling out the vaccine in February, prioritising groups such as healthcare workers and Australians in aged care homes.

The vaccine will not be mandatory, even for staff in aged care homes. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the TGA “placed safety above all else”. “The TGA’s processes are, I believe, the best in the world, and we have ensured that they are thorough,” he said. “This approval and the upcoming rollout of the vaccine will play an important part in our ability to manage the pandemic in 2021.”

The TGA said it would continue to monitor the safety of the Pfizer vaccine both in Australia and overseas and “will not hesitate to take action if safety concerns are identified”.

Australia has purchased 10 million doses of the vaccine.