As the day unfolded: Victoria records 216 new COVID-19 cases as free Oxford vaccine deal sealed by Morrison government; Australian death toll jumps to 450

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PM says vaccination is 'not going to be compulsory'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was on 2GB this afternoon to clarify earlier comments about an impending COVID-19 vaccine, and whether or not it would be mandatory.

"It's not going to be compulsory to have the vaccine," he told host Jim Wilson.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison toured the AstraZeneca laboratories in Macquarie Park.Credit:Nick Moir

"There are no compulsory vaccines in Australia ... what we want to achieve is as much vaccination as we possibly can."

Mr Morrison said Australia had one of the best records in the world of getting high rates of immunisation, and there had been "a bit of an overreaction" to the announcement this morning.

He said there would be "a lot of encouragement" to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We can't hold someone down and make them take it," he said.

As the day unfolded: Victoria records 216 new COVID-19 cases as free Oxford vaccine deal sealed by Morrison government; Australian death toll jumps to 450

Summary

PM says vaccination is 'not going to be compulsory'

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