Australia has secured a deal for 25 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine leading the global race.

The deal with British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca means Australians would receive the Oxford University vaccine for free if human trials prove successful.

The Oxford vaccine is in stage-three trials and could be ready by the end of this year or early next.

The vaccine will be manufactured in Australia for local distribution if effective.

Health Minister Greg Hunt told Neil Breen they moved early to secure the vaccine.

“This is about protecting all Australians.”

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