Some Australians could soon receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose in plans likely to become clear within 48 hours, the Health Minister says.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is currently reviewing the need for fourth vaccine doses, particularly for vulnerable Australians.
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday revealed the advice was expected imminently, and would be implemented.
"We'll consider it and have more to say probably in the next 48 hours," he said on Thursday.
"But we've foreshadowed that a fourth dose, most likely for seniors and for some who are immunocompromised, is under consideration."
Mr Hunt made the revelation as he formally announced a deal struck with the Victorian state government and pharmaceutical giant Moderna to manufacture mRNA vaccines in Australia.
Moderna says the company will be able to produce 100 million vaccines, including for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and seasonal flu, annually from 2024.
More than 12.5 million boosters have been administered across Australia.
Pfizer, which produces the only other mRNA vaccine available in Australia, on Thursday announced it had reached an agreement with UNICEF to supply its oral treatment to 95 of the world's poorest countries.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined vaccine inequalities across the globe, as rich nations complete multiple rounds of boosters despite low vaccination in poorer countries.
Just 11 per cent of Africa's population had received two doses by mid-February, four months after Australia's booster rollout began.
But Pfizer announced 4 million courses of its oral treatment PAXLOVID will be administered across sub-Saharan Africa from next month.
"We have seen the negative impacts of COVID-19 in every part of the world and know that we must work towards access for all people, regardless of where they live or their circumstances," Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said.
Courses will be supplied at not-for-profit price in lower-middle income countries.
Finn McHugh
Finn McHugh has been federal political reporter for The Canberra Times since July 2021. He joined the Canberra Press Gallery in 2019 where he was executive producer of Sky News's AM Agenda, before joining NCA NewsWire as a federal political reporter. He has previously interned at the Kuwait Times.
Finn McHugh has been federal political reporter for The Canberra Times since July 2021. He joined the Canberra Press Gallery in 2019 where he was executive producer of Sky News's AM Agenda, before joining NCA NewsWire as a federal political reporter. He has previously interned at the Kuwait Times.
