Australia is set to start manufacturing a COVID-19 vaccine this month as the government reveals its vaccine rollout plan.
Speaking to The Herald Sun, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine was likely to begin being manufactured by vaccine manufacturer CSL in November.
Hunt revealed the government is also planning to purchase two additional COVID-19 vaccines, which means Australians will have access to four different types.
The health minister also revealed healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and aged care workers and those who are considered to be vulnerable could begin receiving the jab from March.
Next in line are “essential workers” but could also include transport workers and teachers.
All other Australians could receive the jab in the months after, to the end of 2021 – around the same time the government hopes to re-open international borders.
“The expectation is that everybody who sought vaccination would be vaccinated well within 2021,” Hunt told the newspaper.
“Our goal is to have the borders open, subject to vaccination and health advice, by the end of 2021.”
Hunt said the government is aiming for herd immunity – or about two-thirds of the population to be vaccinated.
He added anti-vaxxers were not a concern.
“Australians have been great vaccinators and whilst there is noise from the anti-vaxxers I think they’re making more noise but having less impact,” he said.
“The indications are already that there’s very, very high public interest in being vaccinated.”
Vaccinations will be free but not mandatory, and it’s highly likely that two doses will be required.
The two doses are set to be received 30 days apart.
This article originally appeared on Over60.