CANBERRA – The Australian government has secured an additional million Covid-19 vaccine doses as the country continues to battle its third virus wave.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison today said the Moderna doses from European Union member states will arrive next week and go directly to pharmacies nationwide, reported the Xinhua news agency.
“That means everyone aged from 12 to 59 can go to their community pharmacy where Moderna is administered.”
This comes as Australia reported 1,669 new locally transmitted cases today. Of these infections, 1,262 are in New South Wales (NSW) – the country’s most populous state with Sydney as its capital – which also logged seven deaths.
“There have been 177 Covid-19-related deaths in NSW since June 16, 2021,” said a statement from NSW Health.
Victoria, the second-most-populous state with Melbourne as its capital city, reported 392 fresh cases.
The Australian Capital Territory reported 15 cases as Canberrans mark one month in lockdown.
The government today launched a new vaccination campaign aimed at those who are hesitant about getting the jab.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has said 81% of Australians are willing to get vaccinated.
To date, about 67% of the Australian population aged 16 and over has received at least one vaccine dose, while 42% is fully inoculated, said the Health Department. – Bernama, September 12, 2021
