NATALIE BARR:
Well, the rollout of Australia's fourth COVID jab is underway with hope the vaccine hesitant will roll up their sleeves. Novavax is different from previous shots, due to its protein base. It's currently only available as a primary dose to those over 18. Health Minister, Greg Hunt, says, he expects the company behind it to apply to the TGA for booster approval soon.
Lieutenant General John Frewen is in charge of the nation's vaccine taskforce, and he joins me now. Good morning.
JOHN FREWEN:
Hi, Natalie.
NATALIE BARR:
Do you expect there to be high demand for Novavax?
JOHN FREWEN:
Look, it's- there is a particular interest in Novavax. As you mentioned, the protein-based nature is slightly different to other vaccines. So we do know there are people who have waiting. We've already had the first few doses delivered, and those people spoke very specifically to this aspect of the vaccine. So we've had more than 3000 GPs and pharmacists who've shown an interest in stocking it; we've had more than 2000 orders placed now, so, it's rolling out. And over the next two weeks' people will be able to get access to it. And if they've been waiting, I really encourage them to come forward as quickly as they can.
NATALIE BARR:
So, do you think this will win over a lot of the vaccine hesitants?
JOHN FREWEN:
Well, you know, we're now at 94 per cent of the nation have come forward and had their primary doses. I mean, this is a, you know, an extremely high number by any standard. So, there's another 6 per cent of the nation potentially. Whether we get a couple of per cent in there, I hope so. But again it's about willingness for people to come forward.
But, I certainly do, for those people who are still trying to make up their mind, this is another choice; it's available; it's easy- will be easy to get to it; and I'd really asked them to just have a look at it and consider it, and if they can, get vaccinated as quickly as possible.
NATALIE BARR:
Okay. As the man running the show, where are we with booster numbers?
JOHN FREWEN:
Yeah. So, another great milestone yesterday. We just passed 10 million boosters - 10.2 million boosters yesterday - that's of the 17 million Australian's who are currently eligible. So we're just shy of 60 per cent now. So people have been responding really well.
You know, another 144,000 people came through the doors just for boosters yesterday. So, the uptake is really good. But we've got a way to go still. So, again, just take the opportunity; it's never been more convenient to get a vaccine. There's good choice across the range of vaccines, so please keep coming on forward.
NATALIE BARR:
So, will Novavax be made available to kids?
JOHN FREWEN:
At this stage, no. It's primary course only. They are applying to- they're working through the process to be approved as a booster, which would be really good as well because that would give us the opportunity for those people who've already had primary course to have a choice for Novavax as a booster as well. But that's still in progress.
NATALIE BARR:
Okay. Lieutenant General, thank you for the update.
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