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Coronavirus vaccine ad campaign rolled out across Australia

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VideoThe Federal Government has launched a $23.9 million advertising campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

A $24 million advertising campaign urging Australians to get the COVID-19 jab has been launched today, with vaccinations expected to begin by the end of next month.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration earlier this week approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in Australia, following other countries like the US and the UK giving it “emergency approval” in December.

Front-line health workers and the elderly are first in line to get the vaccine from hospital sites in late February and early March, with the rest of the adult population able to access it before October.

A second vaccine, manufactured by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, is expected to be made available by March.

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The vaccine is not mandatory, but could be a requirement for some jobs or to travel internationally in the future.

Scott Morrison said he hoped 4 million Australians, or about 15 per cent of the total population, would be vaccinated by early April.

But surveys conducted by the Australian National University and others last year found that anywhere from 15 to 20 per cent of Australians were against getting the jab.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt described Australia as a vaccine nation, saying the country had one of the highest jab take-up rates in the world.
Camera IconMinister for Health Greg Hunt described Australia as a vaccine nation, saying the country had one of the highest jab take-up rates in the world. Credit: Sam Mooy/Getty Images

The launch of the $23.9 million advertising campaign today is aimed at “encouraging Australians” to get the vaccine by reaffirming vaccines have gone through a “world-leading independent approvals process”, ensuring safety of vaccine candidates.

The campaign will also provide information on how and where the vaccine will be rolled out — particularly to priority groups — and dosage requirements.

Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca require two doses of the vaccine about three weeks apart.

The campaign will run across a variety of mediums, including television, radio, digital, social and mobile.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the information in the campaign was “based on expert and independent medical advice” that would help answer the questions people may have.

“Australia is a vaccination nation – we have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Australians understand that vaccines work,” he said.

“I am confident, given Australia's high vaccination coverage rates that Australians will take up a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in equally high numbers.”

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