Minister for Health Greg Hunt has officially launched the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia, signalling the beginning of large-scale vaccinations of the Australian population.
Mr Hunt received the shot in front of press cameras in Melbourne today, alongside former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who made a surprise appearance to issue a plea to young women not to snub the jab.
She noted that while she and Mr Hunt were from "different sides of politics", they wanted to represent "a united front" in support of COVID-19 vaccination.
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© 9NewsFormer Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined health minister Greg Hunt in getting the AstraZeneca vaccine as the official launch in Melbourne today.
Health department research demonstrated that Australian women aged 25 to 45 are the most vaccine-hesitant group - data that has been replicated globally.
"No matter what side of politics you barrack for . there is a united message, and that united message is: please get vaccinated," Ms Gillard said.
"I can understand that people might feel a little bit anxious.
"I would recommend to them that they get information from reliable sources, and by that I mean the Australian government sources or from their local health practitioner."
In launching the vaccine, Mr Hunt said getting the shot was about "the gift of being able to protect somebody else's life. particularly our elderly"
He noted that yesterday marked the 36th day so far this year that Australia had recorded no new coronavirus cases.
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© 9NewsMr Hunt signs 'V for vaccine' after receiving his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"At the same time, 10,000 lives were lost in one day alone yesterday (globally) - and that's why these vaccinations are so important."
There are now 270 nursing homes that have completed their vaccination programs, encompassing 23,000 residents.
In total, 81,000 people have now been vaccinated in Australia.
"With the commencement of the AstraZeneca vaccine, those numbers will grow significantly," Mr Hunt said.
Once the rollout begins at GP clinics in two weeks' time, it's expected there will soon be 500,000 vaccinations taking place each week.
It comes as Western Australia today became the second Australian state to begin administering the AstraZeneca, with around 700 people expected to get the jab at the Perth Convention Centre today.
In addition to quarantine workers, frontline health care staff and those in aged care, today's vaccination program will be expanded to include WA police and Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff.
From tomorrow, other critical and high risk workers will be invited to book an appointment.
The federal government has outlined the nation-wide plan for ramping up Australia's vaccination program via GP clinics.
By March 22, there will be 1200 GP clinics across the country administering COVID-19 vaccines to elderly and at-risk Australians.
By the end of April, that will increase to 4000 GP offices before the program peaks in the succeeding months with 4600 clinics administering the jab.
Biotechnology company CSL will be critical in maintaining supply to Australia's GPs, as it manufactures large quantities of the vaccine on home soil.
AstraZeneca vaccinations manufactured in Australia are expected to become available by the end of March.