Australia will likely have to wait until at least 2023 before it can begin producing mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna.
At present the AstraZeneca vaccine is largely not recommended for residents aged under 60 unless they are in Covid outbreak regions and speak to their GPs, and the Pfizer jab is advised for most Australians.
But there are fears current Australian investment in research and infrastructure is way behind what is needed to attract a pharmaceutical giant here to make the preferred vaccine.
Australia s shortage of the preferred Pfizer vaccine has eased for now, but there are major concerns about our ability to attract a pharmaceutical giant here to help produce millions of doses of locally-made mRNA vaccine such as Moderna or Pfizer
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Michaela Meade
The Mickleham community is outraged by a decision to build a COVID-19 quarantine facility in the area.
In a letter to Acting Premier James Merlino, seen by Star Weekly, Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week said the federal government had determined that commonwealth land on Donnybrook Road was the best site for the facility.
But Hume council, traders and residents have slammed the decision, saying it puts the community ‘at risk’.
“I moved to Mickleham to be away from the urban congestion to be safer from COVID-19, not to live in fear of going to my local Coles,” one resident posted on Facebook following the announcement.
“I want to thank Deputy Premier James Merlino who has done an astounding job.” The premier said the well-wishes and support he received “meant the world” to him. Some details about the premier s condition were unknown at the time of his accident and a Liberal MP earlier this month asked a series of questions about who owned the holiday home where Andrews and his family were staying, who called the ambulance, and whether police had interviewed the premier. Andrews said despite releasing a statement Sunday about his injury in his own words, putting an end to the “vile stories” about the incident may not be possible.