Vaccine distribution will be 'giant logistical operation' - 9News

Health Minister Greg Hunt has described the rollout of coronavirus vaccines across Australia as one of the biggest logistical exercises in national history.

Mr Hunt spoke on Today after the Federal Government signed several deals to manage and monitor the national COVID-19 vaccine network.

"It's one of the largest logistical exercises in Australian history, but our team is working right through the Christmas and New Year period," Mr Hunt said.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has outlined the vaccine distribution operation. (Nine)

Logistics companies DHL and Linfox will work with Department of Health officials to vaccinate Australians, under the new contracts. Digital security firm Accenture will then track doses and look for any adverse effects.

The rollout is scheduled to begin in March next year, with all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa holders in line for a free jab.

Mr Hunt said the distribution of one vaccine produced by Pfizer and requiring very low temperatures was a challenge.

"We have the three big vaccines, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, being produced overwhelmingly here in Australia by CSL and Novavax. The Pfizer distribution requires a -70C temperature controlled-remote sensed process and DHL and Linfox will be doing that."

But Mr Hunt said officials were working with remote regional communities to ensure everybody receives the jab.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said there will be no emergency vaccine rollout amid the Northern Beaches outbreak in Sydney. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images) (Jenny Evans/Getty)

Mr Hunt also rejected calls for the vaccine distribution to be brought forward amid the new cluster on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

"What Australians want and what we believe is absolutely necessary is to make sure there is total certainty about the safety and the efficacy and the distribution ... we will not compromise is the safety and the data and the evidence," he said.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikQFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvaGVhbHRoL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWF1c3RyYWxpYS12YWNjaW5lLXJvbGxvdXQtbWFzc2l2ZS1sb2dpc3RpY2FsLW9wZXJhdGlvbi1ncmVnLWh1bnQvMDVkNDc1OGQtY2EwZC00ZmRkLTg1NjctM2E1MTNmYTIzOWI10gFFaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuOW5ld3MuY29tLmF1L2FydGljbGUvMDVkNDc1OGQtY2EwZC00ZmRkLTg1NjctM2E1MTNmYTIzOWI1?oc=5

2020-12-23 21:20:00Z
52781262877580

Bagikan Berita Ini