Under 60s who want AstraZeneca Covid vaccine encouraged to go to GP, Scott Morrison says

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a new no-fault indemnity scheme for GPs who administer COVID-19 vaccines covering those who agree to give Australians under 60 the AstraZeneca vaccine if they ask for it.

Australia's vaccine advisory group recently recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over 60 but Mr Morrison said that didn't preclude anyone under 60 from getting it.

"If you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine we would encourage you go and have that discussion, we have already made announcements to support those additional consultations with the GP so you can have that conversation," he said .

"We are also providing the indemnity scheme for those general practitioners so they can actively engage with you and you can make the best decision for your health."

Mr Morrison has also announced vaccination will be mandatory for residential aged care workers, with all staff to receive at least one dose by mid September.

He said workers should have at least one dose by mid-September but hoped it would be achieved earlier.

Mr Morrison announced an $11 million grant for residential aged care to pay for leave for staff to get vaccinated and if a person experiences "some discomfort following a vaccination".

Anyone leaving hotel quarantine will also now be required to have a COVID-19 test two to three days after exiting quarantine.

Vaccination will also now be mandatory for all quarantine workers including those who work directly or indirectly in transport for managed quarantine facilities.

State and territory government leaders met virtually while five jurisdictions are currently experiencing Covid outbreaks.

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The agenda for Monday's meeting included briefings from Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on outbreaks and variants of the coronavirus and from Lieutenant General John Frewen who was placed in charge of the vaccine rollout and stocks of doses.

The chief ministers and premiers were also to be briefed on coordination of information through the national incident room, as well as support available through aged care responses, pandemic disaster leave and vaccines.

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