The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee said this news would add further confidence to Australia’s vaccine strategy.
“Outside of wartime and the Great Depression, it’s hard to think of a worse year for our country than 2020. We’ve had drought, fires, floods and COVID-19. The news of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approval lets us start the year with hope and optimism that there are better times ahead,” Mr Gee said.
“This is an important moment for the people of the Central West and for the whole of Australia. Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by the TGA – they have placed the safety of the vaccine above all else.”
“Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods. That is why our vaccination program is based on expert medical advice, from our medical panel led by Professor Brendan Murphy.”
“Today’s approval is another big step forward for the Central West, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people.
“I would like thank all those involved in the development and assessment of this COVID-19 vaccine, including the researchers, Pfizer, BioNTech and the medical experts at the TGA who have worked around the clock and over Christmas.
“While this vaccine is a welcome milestone, we have to remain vigilant – so if you have any flu-like symptoms, please go and get tested.”
The vaccine will be provided free to Australians, with a priority group of Australians expected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in late February and early March.
The vaccine will be rolled out in five phases over the coming months and, over time, will involve more than 1,000 vaccination administration sites.