Italy, EU block AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia over delivery shortfalls

As per details, the decision to block the doses was because of the lingering shortage and delays in the supply of vaccines to the EU and in Italy.

Following this the Australian government expressed its frustration and has signaled that the move will not affect the country's current vaccine rollout.

Australian finance minister Simon Birmingham said, "The world is in unchartered territory at present and it's unsurprising that some countries would tear up the rule book".

He further added, "This is a demonstration of really how well Australia continues to do compared to the desperation of other countries."

On Friday,  the Australian Health Minister, Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that the country had already received 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot, which would last until it was able to produce more of the vaccine locally.

On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) in January stated that EU export vetting scheme was part of a very worrying trend that could put global supply chains for vaccines into danger.

Moreover, the EU has almost 450 million population and has signed deals for six different vaccines. In total, it has ordered nearly 400 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and sealed agreements with other companies.