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Australian coronavirus vaccinations roll-outs ramps up

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Ben AndersonThe West Australian
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VideoSix million Australians are eligible for the coronavirus jab under the next phase of Australia’s vaccine rollout

Thousands of West Australians will start receiving the coronavirus vaccine from today as the next phase of the national roll-out begins.

A total of 87 clinics across WA have signed up to provide the vaccine.

The phase 1b roll-out includes people aged more than 70, Indigenous Australians over 55, those with a medical condition or disability, and workers deemed high risk.

Australians can check if they are eligible for the vaccine on the health.gov.au website before booking in with a local clinic with the “service finder”.

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Yesterday 940 people were vaccinated in WA, according to the State health department. A total of 31,512 West Australians have received the vaccine since the roll-out began on February 22.

Throughout the coming week, more than 1000 general practices in cities and country towns across Australia will start administrating the AstraZeneca vaccine, with the aim to inoculate six million people.

“Obviously we won’t be able to vaccinate all six million people (on Monday), or over the coming week, so please be patient,” Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.

“At the moment, some general practices will only receive 50 doses a week and they will be prioritising their most elderly and most unwell patients.”

The news comes as Australian-made vials of the AstraZeneca vaccine are set to be released within days after the national medicine regulator approved domestic production.

Late on Sunday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave its blessing for pharmaceutical giant CSL to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine at its two Melbourne sites in Broadmeadows and Parkville.

The approval does not extend to use, however, with the regulator still needing to review batch documents and test to ensure they meet manufacturing standards.

With AAP

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