Australia will fast-track other vaccines after AstraZeneca decision

Australia will fast-track two other coronavirus vaccines and order more of each amid recommendations to use other options than AstraZeneca for people under 50.

Officials admit the move could hinder the already delayed rollout, with the opposition blasting the government for not ordering more varied vaccine options.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said Australia's two other vaccines, Pfizer and Novavax, are being fast-tracked and more could be ordered.

Pfizer is already approved and being used, while there are 51 million Novavax doses on the way - though it still needs to be given the green light by Australian regulators.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Novavax could be given out in the "third quarter" of this year.

Professor Kelly admitted the rollout will be affected, but refused to be drawn on just when most Australians will be vaccinated.

Australia is due to pass the 1 million vaccination mark today, when it had planned to have done 4 million by now.

"Clearly with these changes overnight, we will need to look at our rollout schedule," Professor Kelly said.

"It's likely that will affect that rollout.

"We're looking to increase the number of alternative vaccines that we have.

"The Novavax, we have 51 million doses of those on order. We hope they will come in the second half of the year.

"And the Pfizer vaccine, we have those 20 million doses coming.

"They have guaranteed they will increase the rate at which that's coming."

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