Prime Minister Scott Morrison says if the vaccine proves successful, every single Australian will be able to receive it for free.
PM Scott Morrison toured the AstraZeneca laboratories in Macquarie Park, Northern Sydney.
![PM Scott Morrison toured the AstraZeneca laboratories in Macquarie Park, Northern Sydney](https://e3.365dm.com/20/08/768x432/skynews-scott-morrison-australia_5071354.jpg?bypass-service-worker&20200819074457)
Australia has ordered 25 million doses of Oxford University's potential COVID-19 vaccine, the country's prime minister said.
"Under the deal, every single Australian will be able to receive the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for free, should trials prove successful, safe and effective," Scott Morrison said on Wednesday.
The vaccine, called AZD1222, is being developed by Britain's University of Oxford and is licensed to British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
![Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a deal with AstraZeneca](https://e3.365dm.com/20/08/768x432/skynews-scott-morrison-australia-pm_5071351.jpg?bypass-service-worker&20200819074111)
Mr Morrison said the Oxford University trial of the vaccine was in a phase-three stage and more work was needed to prove its viability.
But if the vaccine proved successful, Australia plans to manufacture and supply vaccines "straight away under our own steam and make it free for 25 million Australians", Mr Morrison said.
In a radio interview on Wednesday, the Australian leader said he is hopeful the vaccine would be made available early next year.
"If it can be done sooner than that, great," he told Melbourne's 3AW radio station.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours