AstraZeneca jab to be made available to all who want it

Coronavirus vaccinations will become mandatory for aged care workers, the Prime Minister has announced.

Scott Morrison said the decision was made at the National Cabinet meeting between state and territory leaders.

All of those workers are expected to have their first dose by mid-September.

READ MORE: Nude sunbathers startled by deer, fined

The mandatory shots for residential aged care workers will be implemented in partnership between the Commonwealth and state and territory jurisdictions.

It is likely to be done using the same system used for mandatory flu vaccines for the same workers.

"This is something we wanted to see and so tonight we received the advice that would enable us to go forward with that measure," Mr Morrison said.

READ MORE: How to get vaccinated in your state

Mr Morrison said the Commonwealth Government would introduce an $11 million grant program to encourage residential aged care facilities to provide staff with leave to get vaccinated.

That leave can include situations where a person may experience some discomfort following a vaccination, Mr Morrison said.

Most of Australia's almost 1000 virus-related deaths have been in aged care homes.

New AstraZeneca guidance

Rules will be changed to allow people under 60 to get AstraZeneca, which is in greater supply if they would like it.

While it was only 'recommended' for them to have Pfizer, the way will be cleared to allow GPs to give out AstraZeneca vaccines without fear to people under that age if they make an "informed decision".

Mr Morrison confirmed GPs would have indemnity regarding AstraZeneca vaccinations, so they can "actively engage with you and you can make the best decision for your health".

"If you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, we would encourage you to pay, go have discussion with your GP," he said.

Mr Morrison said 221,000 second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were administered last week, the week after the latest ATAGI advice about the preferred age group for the specific jab.

He said that figure showed "Australians are coming back for their second dose of AstraZeneca" despite safety hiccups.

"AstraZeneca is there for people to get vaccinated. There are many points of presence, over 5,000GPs alone where you can get that done. If people are concerned, as I'm sure they are, as I am, that I'd be encouraging them to go out and get that vaccination," he said.

Meanwhile, over a quarter of all of the eligible population have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, 28.6 per cent in total, Mr Morrison, said.

More than two-thirds of the over-70 population, who were among the first to be offered jabs have had their first dose, and more than half of over-50s have had their first dose.