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Vaccines

Australia's Vaccine Rollout Plan Under Cloud as EU Imposes Export Controls

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australia's vaccine rollout plan has been clouded by the European Union's decision to impose export controls on COVID-19 vaccines, including those produced in Europe by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The Morrison government's vaccination plan relies heavily on imports, including 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 1.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The EU's new regulations will require vaccine producers to seek permission before shipping vials outside the region, potentially slowing the distribution process for countries outside Europe.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australia has ordered 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with the first shipment of at least 80,000 doses due by the end of February.
  • The country also expects 1.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be imported from Europe, although this number was revised down from 3.8 million due to global supply issues.
  • The Morrison government remains confident that Pfizer will deliver the first 80,000 doses by the end of February.
  • The AstraZeneca vaccine is being manufactured onshore by CSL, with a total of 50 million doses expected.
  • The government has not spoken to AstraZeneca or Pfizer since the EU's decision to impose export controls was publicized.
  • The rollout plan relies heavily on imported doses, with no date confirmed for local AstraZeneca delivery.
  • Opposition health spokesman Chris Bowen has criticized the government for a lack of transparency on vaccine shipment timing and quantity.

Statistics:

  • 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been ordered by Australia.
  • The first shipment of at least 80,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine is due by the end of February.
  • 1.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are expected to be imported from Europe.
  • The government has ordered 3.9 million fewer doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to global supply issues.
  • 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are being manufactured onshore by CSL.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • Australian Government Department of Health
  • AstraZeneca press release
  • Pfizer press release
  • European Union press release

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