Australia celebrates: We just passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has this morning announced the news that Australia is officially 70 per cent of over-60s fully vaccinated, and the first vaccination rate is at 85.5 per cent.

Since the rollout of vaccinations began, there have been more than 33 million COVID-19 vaccinations delivered in Australia. 277,000 vaccinations were administered nationwide yesterday.

“So to Australians, I want to say thank you and congratulations, but keep going.”

“This is a testament to the work of Australians and it is a testament to our health professionals and everybody that has been involved in the vaccination program,” Mr Hunt said.

It comes on top of the exciting news that Victoria will likely hit 90 per cent single dose vaccinated today, sitting at 89.2 per cent at the time the Minister was speaking.

“In terms of the segments of the population that are being protected, our over 50s now have 93.5 per cent first doses and, as a group, have passed the 80 per cent mark, they are at 81 per cent,” said Minister Hunt.

“Our over 70s are at an extraordinary 97.8 per cent of Australians who have had at least one dose and 86.2 per cent who have had two.

“As for our youngest vaccinated cohorts, the youngest eligible, 12- to 15-year-olds… already a quarter of them have had a second dose.”

Delight has been seen on Twitter over the day, with celebrations from all corners of the country and politics.

Scott Morrison tweeted his elation: We did it! ✅  70% of Australians aged 16+ are now fully vaccinated against COVID. Thank you, Australia. Now let’s bring this home across the country and hit the 80% target in the National Plan so we can continue to safely reopen and stay safely open.

We did it! ✅

70% of Australians aged 16+ are now fully vaccinated against COVID.

Thank you, Australia. Now let’s bring this home across the country and hit the 80% target in the National Plan so we can continue to safely reopen and stay safely open.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) October 20, 2021

“So to Australians, I want to say thank you and congratulations, but keep going,” said Dr Sandra Demaio.

It’s official! We’ve just PASSED 70% DOUBLE DOSE ACROSS AUSTRALIA (16+)! Go team! #covid19aus

— Dr Sandro Demaio (@SandroDemaio) October 20, 2021

Australia’s double-dose vaccination rate has passed 70 per cent of all adults aged 16 and over. Large-scale team work and compassion rocks! pic.twitter.com/rUVHs8MXtB

— Lorraine Hétu Manifold ???????????????????????????????? ???????? (@ManifoldMusic) October 20, 2021