Hope for Aussie vaccines

AUSTRALIA is reportedly making “excellent progress” on manufacturing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines on home soil, as MRNA jabs look to become an option for children under 12.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the federal government was working with a range of biotechnology partners to get Australian-made MRNA vaccines up and running.

“We are making excellent progress on bringing MRNA vaccine manufacturing to Australia,” he said.

“MRNA vaccine production in Australia is our goal and intention and that is exactly what were doing at the moment.”

Sunday’s announcement comes as research into the safety of the MRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Modern) for children gains pace in Australia.

Mr Hunt said the federal government was working towards presenting clinical trial data on the use of MRNA in children to Australia’s medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

“We are aware that Pfizer has already commenced a registration process in the US and I have written to and spoken with the Australian head of Pfizer to encourage them,” he said.

“We have also been dealing with Moderna. At this stage they have not progressed beyond clinical trials.”