Australia news live update: Victoria records 17 Covid deaths, NSW 24; Joyce apologises for saying ‘people aren’t dying’; free rapid tests available to millions

To begin with, in terms of ATAGI, we have received a second green light in relation to the Novavax vaccine.

I have spoken with the company both last week and this morning among many conversations and we’ll be able to commence that program in the week of 21 February.

What happens from here is now that we’ve got the double green light in Australia, stocks will be released, provided to Australia, the TGA will go through a detailed batch testing process, as this will be the first such shipment we have received, and presuming that’s deemed to be safe and in line with all of the data and science that we have received to date, then that fourth vaccine will be made available from week of 21 February.

The specific advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is that it will be a 2-dose course, with a minimum of three weeks between the first and the second doses.

It’s a protein-based vaccine, for some, who may have had contrary indications or reactions with regards to other vaccines, this will provide an additional opportunity for them, as well as those who for whatever reason have not taken up the program so far.

source: theguardian.com