Moderna Opens new Facility to Produce 100 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Annually
mRNA vaccines are anticipated to be produced in 2025 pending regulatory approval. Former MP Craig Kelly of the Libertarian Party has expressed criticism towards the facility.
The inaugural COVID-19 mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere is now operational in Victoria, Australia, supported by the state and federal Labor governments.
The newly established mRNA manufacturing facility aims to manufacture up to 100 million vaccine doses annually for COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), pending regulatory clearances.
Health Minister Mark Butler and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan inaugurated what they described as a state-of-the-art facility at Monash University’s Clayton campus.
Moderna’s operations in Australia will generate 140 highly skilled direct jobs and up to 500 jobs during construction.
The government asserts that the new facility will significantly boost the growth of Australia’s independent mRNA manufacturing industry.
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“The launch of Moderna’s manufacturing facility in Victoria positions Australia as one of the select few countries globally, and the sole country in the Southern Hemisphere, with complete mRNA manufacturing capabilities.”
Allan expressed her pride in her state contributing to the production of vaccines that both Australia and the world can depend on in the future.
“This exemplifies genuine economic progress: increased investment, job opportunities, and prospects for all,” she remarked.
“Now, there exist three pioneering medical research hubs—Boston, London, and Victoria,” she added.
The government stated that, pending regulatory approval, the Moderna facility plans to commence production of its initial mRNA vaccines in 2025.
Butler hailed the facility as a significant stride towards safeguarding Australians against “future pandemics.”
He anticipated that the facility would generate highly skilled jobs, support domestic industries, and encourage research collaboration.
Meanwhile, acting Economic Growth Minister Danny Pearson stated, “We’ll no longer have to vie for a fair vaccine share because the Southern Hemisphere’s premier end-to-end mRNA vaccine facility has been established in Victoria—setting a new standard in innovation and economic expansion.
“Our economy is flourishing, and this new facility ensures our progress continues as we sustain a robust stream of investment and quality job opportunities across the state.”
Libertarians’ Concerns
Nevertheless, newly inducted Libertarian Party member Craig Kelly, who intends to run for the Senate, voiced apprehensions regarding the new facility in a post on X on Dec. 7.
“With an election on the horizon, the government seems more willing to endanger the health of Australians than forgo the publicity from inaugurating the new mRNA facility.”
New South Wales Libertarian MP John Ruddick elucidated why he chose not to receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and expressed concerns over the state government’s persistent promotion of it.
“It was hastily developed. It was enforced. It was an experimental form of vaccine—mRNA,” he articulated on Dec. 4.
“The experiment failed, but instead of introspection, the government is doubling down.”
Moderna’s Pride in Landmark Facility for Vaccine Production
Michael Azrak, the general manager for Moderna Australia and New Zealand, depicted the opening as a testament to the outcomes achievable through collaboration and commitment.
“We extend our gratitude to the Australian and Victorian governments, instrumental in realizing this endeavor,” he acknowledged.
“I’m immensely proud that Moderna has enabled the establishment of this pioneering facility for vaccine manufacturing in Australia, a substantial investment by our company into the country’s biosecurity.”
Meanwhile, Shannon Klinger, the Chief Legal Officer at Moderna, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing public health infrastructure.
“This facility symbolizes how our technology can bolster public health resilience in Australia and beyond,” she remarked.
“The MTC-M stands as the primary commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We anticipate delivering groundbreaking scientific advancements and holistic public health solutions from our operations in this country, advancing healthcare for Australians and the surrounding region.”
