COVID-19 vaccine trial at University of Queensland looks promising, available in late 2021

A Queensland-made COVID-19 vaccine could be widely available by late 2021 after early trials showed promising signs, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says.

Inspecting labs at Brisbane’s University of Queensland (UQ), Mr Hunt said development of the vaccine was ahead of schedule, with phase-one tests showing it was safe.

“The initial data is very clear, that the [UQ] vaccine is proving to be safe through phase-one clinical trials and it’s proving to produce a positive anti-body response,” Mr Hunt said.

“That means it’s doing its job. That’s particularly so in the elderly, and that is an especially important outcome, given the vulnerability to elderly around the world from COVID-19.

“Our medical researchers are national heroes.”