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PM unveils hundreds of millions for NZ access to Covid vaccine

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Aug 2020, 10:47AM

PM unveils hundreds of millions for NZ access to Covid vaccine

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Aug 2020, 10:47AM

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced hundreds of millions of dollars to help secure access to a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as one becomes available.

The specific amount, from the Government's Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, cannot be disclosed due to commercial sensitivity - but it is not part of the $14 billion still in reserve.

It is in addition to the $37 million vaccine strategy released in May to support domestic and international work.

Ardern said there were "reasons for optimism" in the global search for a vaccine.

Ardern is visiting the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Wellington this morning with Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Megan Woods.

"We are working particularly closely with Australia to ensure we are connected to all parts of vaccine development, distribution and use, as well as our Pacific neighbours to elevate their voices," Ardern said.

The mission was to secure a safe vaccine at the earliest possible time, she said.

"We are focused on safety. We are focused on effectiveness."

New Zealand's task force was speaking to a number of other countries, she said.

She had a conversation with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week.

"We have always drawn from each other's strengths in the area of science and innovation."

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