Military to oversee COVID vaccination rollout in Australia

Navy Commodore Eric Young will be appointed to manage the logistics of the program coordinating the supply and distribution of the jabs.

This comes as National Cabinet is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday as the government tries to get the vaccine rollout back on track.

The Morrison Government’s goal had been to get four million Australians vaccinated by the start of April, but so far that number is only sitting at around 1.4 million.

National Cabinet will discuss this at the first of two weekly meetings on Monday.

There has been some public hesitance in getting the COVID vaccine with fears it could cause blood clots after the Therapeutic Goods Administration confirmed the death of a NSW woman was likely linked to her receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Also on cabinet’s agenda will be a potential new plan for home quarantine in returned travellers.

Scott Morrison has flagged the idea of vaccinated Australians being allowed to travel overseas for family or business reasons and then being permitted to quarantine at home when they return, instead of in a hotel.

While medical experts are looking into the proposed idea, it would need backing from state and territory leaders.