January 6 The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the 6th that Australian Prime Minister Morrison falsely claimed in a recent interview with the media that “the United Kingdom did not test each batch of vaccine before vaccinating the public”.
He also said that the emergency use of vaccines will be made only when the epidemic is severe in Britain, and Australia does not need to risk it. Not surprisingly, this statement immediately aroused dissatisfaction and rebuttal from the British drug regulator.
On the 5th local time, Morrison reiterated his previous view that in response to a new outbreak, the United Kingdom urgently authorized the approval of AstraZeneca and Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine.
Morrison further said: “I don’t think the UK has tested every batch safely before vaccinating the people. But Australia is not in the same emergency as the United Kingdom. We don’t need to take shortcuts or take unnecessary risks.”
Australian media interpreted that Morrison may have said this as a defense for Australia’s failure to launch a vaccine plan before March.
Unlike other countries, where the vaccination program is expected to begin in early March, the Australian government has reached procurement agreements with AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Novak.
Morrison’s remarks immediately aroused dissatisfaction on the British side.
The UK’s drug regulator said in a statement that it was incorrect to say that the UK did not conduct batch testing.” Biopharmaceuticals like vaccines are complex in nature and independently tested by the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control in the United Kingdom, which is essential to ensure quality and safety.” British Prime Minister Boris also publicly said that each batch of vaccines has undergone strict safety tests before leaving the factory.
Australian Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese also sharply criticized the Australian Prime Minister’s remarks: “Morrison is so obsessed with politics, campaigning and marketing that he misleads the Australian people.
The truth is important, but to Morrison, it doesn’t matter.”
