The head of Australia’s Covid-19 taskforce says Australian’s under the age of 40 can expect to be eligible to receive a Pfizer or Moderna Covid jab around September or October

Most Australians under 40 are currently not eligible for Pfizer or Moderna, but can opt to receive the AstraZeneca jab, according to the head of the COVID-19 vaccine taskforce.

Supplies of Pfizer and Moderna are expected to massively ramp up in the coming months, but nearly 8,000 younger Australians have opted to receive the AstraZeneca jab instead.

Lieutenant General John Frewen has told the ABC that younger Australians could be given a choice as to which mRNA jab they receive, once enough doses arrive and access is expanded.

“We’re seeing demand right now in that group of people to take AstraZeneca now rather than wait for an alternate later in the year,” he said.

“When we have adequate supplies, I think that’s a logical step.”

Health officials have previously warned younger Australians against the AstraZeneca vaccine due to rare but potentially deadly blood clots.

“AstraZeneca is open to under 40s with informed consent with their GPs.”

This deadline comes as millions of the nation’s residents remain in lockdown due to Covid outbreaks.