‘We need to make sure that everybody who’s on Australian soil is safe, and everybody who’s on Australian soil has access to protection’.[1] Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt informed the public of the government’s aim to ensure that the vaccine program touches as many people as possible, including visa holders in Australia.
Jane Malysiak, the first of many to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. AAP: Joel Carret
The Roll Out
On Monday 22nd February 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations were accounted to begin in Australia. While vaccines are prioritised for those most at risk, vulnerable and frontline health workers – the Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Health have expressed for as many people to come forward to be vaccinated, to protect themselves and the community at large against COVID-19.
International Students
This is welcoming news for not only Australians, but also for international students. Where Australia’s borders could reopen if the COVID-19 vaccine roll out is successful.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been reported to be available to International students in Australia for free under the country’s five phase plan. It has been made clear by the Health Minister that international students are an important part of the vaccination strategy. With approximately 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses secured, the roll out is expected to begin now up until mid-October.
On a final note, the Australian Government concluded that they are looking forward to welcoming International students back to Australia’s classrooms, campuses and communities as soon as they can in a COVID-19 safe way.
PM.gov. (2021, February 4). Transcript – Press Conference – Australian Parliament House, ACT. Retrieved from Prime Minister of Australia: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-australian-parliament-house-act-4feb2021
The COVID-19 vaccine has been reported to be available to International students in Australia for free under the country’s five phase plan. It has been made clear by the Health Minister that international students are an important part of the vaccination strategy. With approximately 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses secured, the roll out is expected to begin now up until mid-October.
On a final note, the Australian Government concluded that they are looking forward to welcoming International students back to Australia’s classrooms, campuses and communities as soon as they can in a COVID-19 safe way.