The Australian Government has announced that all Australians aged 12 and over are now eligible to receive an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) through Australia’s network of GPs and community pharmacies.
Additionally, the decision by the Australian Government to open up mRNA vaccines to the 60 and over age group will give Australians more options and encouragement to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, if they haven’t already.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt says we are on track to ensuring every eligible Australian can receive a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of this month, with more than 28 million doses administered to date.
“More than 77% of eligible Australians have received one Covid-19 dose and 54% are fully vaccinated,” says Minister Hunt.
“We have now passed the United States on percentage of first doses administered and I thank all Australians who have come forward so far and received a Covid-19 vaccination.
“It will make a significant contribution to returning to Covid-normal.
“I encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated to call your local GP, community pharmacy, State or Commonwealth Hub and make an appointment today.
“It can protect you and your loved ones.”
Australia currently has two mRNA Covid-19 vaccines approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) and included in our rollout program on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
These are the Spikevax (Moderna) and Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines.
As they are both mRNA vaccines, they are very similar and are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from Covid-19.
The Commonwealth has been working closely with other jurisdictions, which have been progressively announcing the availability of mRNA vaccines for people aged 60 and over at state and territory-run clinics.
The Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder has been updated to allow people aged 60 and over to find sites that administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
