Infectious disease expert's only 'concern' about Covid vaccine

A Queensland infectious diseases expert has shared his only concern about Australia’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

The rollout began on Monday with frontline workers and vulnerable Australians the first to receive a jab.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison received his coronavirus vaccination on Sunday.

He wants as many people as possible to be vaccinated, but declined to put a figure on what percentage he wanted to see.

"We've provisioned so that ... every Australian has access to vaccines. We've secured 150 million doses of a range of vaccines," he said.

However, Infectious Diseases Physician Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland told Sky News he is concerned people might not choose to get it.

“I do have some concerns that some people still have some reservations and we may not see the uptake we need," he said.

Professor Griffin is urging Australians to get information from “reputable sources” such as federal and state governments.

• ‘Something to hide’: Aussie Senator hits out at China over Covid inquiry

• WHO scientist makes shock claim about origins of coronavirus

• 'More dangerous than Covid?': Fears over country's 'concerning' claim

He said the benefit of the vaccine program will be directly linked to its uptake, meaning it needs people committed to getting vaccinated.

"So if we have low uptake the benefits are not going to be as significant as they could be," he said.

“We really need people to come along and get vaccinated, that’s really clear."

Hundreds protest vaccine at rally, including Pete Evans

Hundreds of people protested at the Millions March Against Mandatory Covid Vaccination rally in Sydney on Saturday, including controversial conspiracy theorist and former celebrity chef Pete Evans.

There were also protests held in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Officers used pepper spray on some protesters at Melbourne's Fawkner Park when they moved beyond cordons and at times police appeared to lose control of the crowd, an AAP photographer on the scene said.

The Melbourne rally started peacefully with speakers addressing the crowd, but "people started getting pretty fired up," the photographer said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.