Revealed: The Aussies set to miss out on a Covid vaccine next year
Australians under the age of 18 are likely to have to wait until 2022 to be vaccinated from coronavirus, according to a report on a draft plan for the jab’s rollout.
The strategy, seen by the Herald Sun, reportedly separates the nation’s population into 12 age groups with priority given to the eldest category – the over 70s.
Age groups will then be separated in five-year periods with the younger a bracket, the less priority it receives.
The first set of people to receive the vaccine however will be healthcare workers, those in aged care and people are most at risk from COVID-19 infection.
Essential workers, which are still to be determined by an expert advisory group, will follow and reportedly prisoners will also be prioritised due to their close living arrangements.
Due to pharmaceutical companies not currently seeking approval for younger people, the Herald Sun understands those under 18 will have to wait until 2022 for a vaccine.
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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt stated last week the vaccine is still on course to be rolled out by March next year.
Covid vaccine not a ‘silver bullet’
However a report from the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences published this week stressed the vaccine is not a “silver bullet”.
It warns while a vaccine may prevent disease, it may have “limited impact” on preventing the transmission of the virus.
“Australia’s comprehensive COVID-19 public health measures and management approach will therefore remain crucial to the ongoing response,” it explained.
The report says social distancing, mask wearing, testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine will remain key to keeping society and the economy open even when a vaccine is rolled out.
Pharmaceutical companies will likely need to prove to the government vaccines can prevent transmission before it allows travellers in and out of Australia.
This will be a bitter blow to young Australians who dreamt of international travel in 2021, however Mr Hunt has repeatedly earmarked the end of next year for overseas travel to commence in some sort of capacity.
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