A Coronavirus Vaccine Could Be Available in Australia by 2021

Australia is in "advanced negotiations" to manufacture a vaccine.

With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continuing to rise across the globe, people are becoming more and more eager to see a vaccine developed to fight the virus. 

Earlier this week, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that Australia is in "advanced negotiations" to have a coronavirus vaccine manufactured here. 

Mr Hunt told Sky News that he is "cautiously but genuinely optimistic" that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available by next year. 

Cautious but genuine optimism https://t.co/1X0av6ouLR

— Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) August 15, 2020

Although, Mr Hunt pointed out that there's a possibility there will be multiple vaccines created. 

"I think the world is moving closer to a vaccine, and it's unlikely that it will be just one, it's likely that it will be many. There are lead Australian candidates as well as international candidates, so we're making very significant process across a comprehensive vaccine strategy," he said.

The Federal Health Minister also highlighted that we can expect a vaccine by 2021. 

"Look, all our advice has been 2021 is the most likely. If anything occurs before then, then that would be an outstanding result not just for Australia but for the world." 

Mr Hunt confirmed that Australia has already signed two pre-contractual nondisclosure agreements with vaccine manufacturers. 

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the federal government is expected to sign off on a deal with the British drugmaker AstraZeneca to secure the University of Oxford's adenovirus-based vaccine. 

This would enable Melbourne-based domestic vaccine manufacturer CSL to produce the vaccine under a strict licensing agreement if the human trials in Britain are successful. 

This pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. We urge every Australian to reach out for support, even when you think someone might have it worse. It's called #GettingThroughThisTogether
Get help today here👉 https://t.co/tZpeRpPEIC @GregHuntMP pic.twitter.com/NvIOvqWrIk

— National Mental Health Commission (@NMHC) August 16, 2020

At this stage, around 160 clinical trials are already taking place internationally and 29 human trials are underway.

Victoria recorded 282 new cases of coronavirus overnight and 25 deaths. Seven new cases have also been confirmed in New South Wales.

7 new cases of #COVID19 have been diagnosed in NSW between 8pm on 15 August and 8pm on 16 August.

Of the 7 new cases reported:
•Six were locally acquired
•One is a traveller in hotel quarantine pic.twitter.com/BNCerLbJMu

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 17, 2020

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