Australia Adds Covishield to List of “Recognized Vaccines,” International Borders to Reopen Soon

“Australia continues to successfully construct a way out of the COVID-19 epidemic,” according to a Media Statement issued by the Australian Prime Minister’s Office on October 1, 2021. Australia has done better than other countries in coping with COVID-19 on both the health and economic fronts.”

“Australia is ready to take its next steps to securely return to the world, with improvements coming at the international border,” according to a media release issued the same day titled “Next Steps to Reopen to the World.”

Following an 18-month international travel restriction imposed in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Australia will shortly reopen its borders. The Australian government is establishing the framework for international travel to and from Australia in the coming months.

Australia has a first-dose vaccination rate of more than 78%. In Australia, the percentage of double-dose vaccination is now at 55 percent, with some places on the course to reach 70 percent in the coming weeks.

The Australian government is putting the finishing touches on preparations so that –

• Families in Australia can be reunited.
• Workers in Australia have the freedom to move in and out of the country.
• It’s possible that tourists may be welcomed back to Australia.

A major portion of Australia will enter Phase B and then Phase C of the National Plan in the following weeks, which entails the safe reopening and continued safe openness of Australia for foreign travel. International travel will be reopened to “completely vaccinated Australian passengers” under Phase C of Australia’s National Plan.

“Once changes are made in November, the current overseas travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will be removed, and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries’ border settings allow,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

There will be no travel restrictions for vaccinated Australians leaving or entering the country when the reforms take effect in November 2021. Australia recognizes COVID-19 vaccinations.

Approved and registered for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA] –

• AstraZeneca [Vaxzevria]
• Moderna [Spike Vax]
• COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen
• Pfizer [Comirnaty]

Other vaccines ‘recognized’ by the TGA [with effect from October 1, 2021]

• Covishield [AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India]
• Corona Vac [Sinovac]

These two vaccines are to be regarded as “recognized vaccines” for evaluating whether overseas visitors to Australia have received adequate vaccinations. While the TGA has not yet authorized these vaccinations for use in Australia, their acknowledgment is a “significant milestone” toward more Australians who have been vaccinated abroad returning home sooner.

In the next weeks, Australia should be well on its way to returning to normal and reopening securely. Following COVID-19, Australia is one of the top three nations for immigration. Talk to DMS Migration, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company, whether you want to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas.

Amitava Deb

• Amitava is a gold medallist from India’s premier technical institute, IIT Kharagpur.
• He has worked with some of the world’s top companies such as Sony Australia Pty. Ltd., Siemens AG Germany, Clarity International Ltd., Reliance Communications and Optus Sydney.
• Amitava is a Chartered Professional Engineer accredited by Engineers Australia. He is a full member of this esteemed association.
• He is a member of the Australian Computer Society, Tele Management Forum and Worldwide Institute of Software Architects.
• Amitava is a well-recognised name in the ICT Professional Community in Australia.