Moderna‘s Covid-19 vaccines and other mRNA jabs will finally be made in Australia after Scott Morrison finalised a production deal with the American company.
The pharmaceutical giant will build a new production facility in Victoria and supply Australia with 100million doses a year starting from 2024.
The jabs will mostly be for respiratory diseases such as Covid-19 and flu.
A nurse administers a shot of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine at Kenolta Medical Centre in Canberra
Australia found itself desperately short of mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna during the Covid vaccine rollout last year.
The Government had banked on the conventional AstraZeneca vaccine until changing health advice over blood clot fears delayed the rollout and prompted a scramble for mRNA jabs.
But doses were difficult to get hold of because they are only produced in the US and Europe and were in extremely high demand globally.
Under heavy criticism from his political opponents, Mr Morrison resolved to manufacture mRNA jabs in Australia to prevent a future shortage.
The exact location of the mRNA facility is being negotiated between the Victorian Government and the company.
Queues for a mass vaccination hub in Brisbane during the Covid-19 jab rollout
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it will provide 500 jobs during construction and 200 permanent roles.
‘This landmark agreement means that Australia can make up to 100 million world-leading mRNA doses every year, which can protect against evolving strains of COVID-19 or new respiratory diseases that emerge into the future,’ he said.
‘This will be the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere, and will ensure Australians have quick and easy access to these lifesaving vaccines.’
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, added: ‘This agreement and strategic partnership with Moderna and the Victorian Government is crucial insurance for the health of the Australian population,’ Minister Hunt said.
‘It means Australians will have access to the most cutting-edge vaccination technology available both now and into the future.’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured on Tuesday) said the facility will provide 500 jobs during construction and 200 permanent roles
