Australia approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for public use

Australia’s medical regulator on Monday approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use under a formal process, one of the first countries to complete a comprehensive approval, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Australian Government said AstraZeneca’s international production problems mean the country would need to distribute a locally manufactured shot earlier than planned.

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The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) has provisionally approved the vaccine for Australians aged 16 years and over. It was a year since the first Coronavirus case was detected in the country.

Vaccination of priority groups is expected to begin in late February, at 80,000 doses per week, Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters.

Two doses will be required – at least 21 days apart, a government statement said. Australia will administer both doses of the vaccine at the recommended time.

“You don’t start what you can’t finish, and finishing the job involves two doses,” said Morrison, adding a digital system would ensure people get two doses.