Pfizer vaccine provisional approval a positive step forward
The provisional approval of the Pfizer vaccine is an important step in Australia’s battle to protect Australians from COVID-19, AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said.
“Australia has been fortunate that we are not in the emergency situations of other nations, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been able to go through its normal clearance processes for this vaccine,” Dr Khorshid said.
Dr Khorshid highlighted that it will be an enormous task to get the vaccine delivered to as many Australians as possible, as quickly as possible.
The AMA has been in talks with the Federal Government about the rollout of COVID vaccines, particularly in future phases where GPs will be critical in administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to the wider community. Federal Department of Health issued an expression of interest form for general practices that are interested in taking part in vaccinating the nation.
“The AMA has been working with Minister Hunt and the Department over the past few weeks to ensure that GPs are at the forefront of this campaign. This means we will be prepared for rollout once we have approval and supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Dr Khorshid said.
“The Federal Vice President, Dr Chris Moy, and I have written to all GP members of the AMA to encourage them to register their interest.”
Read the full media release here.
