First batch of COVID vaccines ‘on track’ for early next year

Australia is on track to receive its first batch of coronavirus vaccinations early next year.

The federal government has pumped $1.7 billion into two lead vaccine candidates.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the latest trials of the Oxford University AstraZeneca vaccine were very positive.

“There are no guarantees but this week’s results, coming out of phase three trials, are deeply important,” Mr Hunt told parliament on Wednesday.

“It means we are on track for first vaccines to be…