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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says an Australian-made coronavirus vaccine is proving to be safe and is producing a strong antibody response to the virus.

The University of Queensland is developing the jab to fight COVID-19, known as V451.

Mr Hunt said early trials are producing positive results.

“The initial data is very clear – that the vaccine is proving to be safe through phase one clinical trials and that it’s proving to produce a positive antibody response,” he said.

“That means it’s doing its job.”

Mr Hunt also said the vaccine was showing positive results when tested on the elderly.

“That’s an especially important outcome given the global vulnerability to elderly around the world from COVID-19,” he said.

The Health Minister said the vaccine was running ahead of schedule, with phase three trials now ready to begin.

He said the vaccine could potentially be available to Australians early in the third quarter of 2021.  


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