Australia’s medical regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has completed its independent review of Pfizer’s vaccine submission.
Officials have confirmed the Covid-19 vaccine has met the safety, efficacy and quality standards required for use.
The Pfizer vaccine, which has shown to be 95 per cent effective, is the first to be approved for use in Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians can be confident in the TGA’s thorough and careful approval approach.
“Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods.
“Today’s approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people.”
Vaccine rollout to begin in February, government states
The government hopes to begin rollout of the vaccine in February. Healthcare workers and residents in aged care homes will be prioritised to receive the vaccine first.
While the vaccine will not be mandatory, the government will be encouraging Australians to get the jab.
“This approval and the upcoming rollout of the vaccine will play an important part in our ability to manage the pandemic in 2021,” said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.