Johnson Winter & Slattery has advised the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) on the creation of a COVID-19 Vaccine Media Hub, a resource that will bring together multiple sources of evidence-based information on vaccines.
The Hub will provide expert commentary and explanations in at least seven languages to assist journalists, fact-checkers and influencers reporting on the latest developments and science behind COVID-19 vaccines.
The Hub will be the result of a global collaboration led by AusSMC and public health experts supported by the Google News Initiative, also involving technology not-for-profit Meedan, as well as Science Media Centres and other organisations from Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative will be funded by Google and led from the AusSMC Centre in Adelaide.
“The enormous impact of this pandemic has meant that scientists and pharmaceutical companies have had to go into overdrive to produce vaccines in record time. With so many vaccines in various stages of development, it can be very confusing for journalists and the public, and this is where we hope to help,” said Dr Susannah Eliott, CEO of the AusSMC. “It’s now more critical than ever that we all have access to clear information about these vaccines as they are being developed”.
Johnson Winter & Slattery Consultant Gordon Radford, who advised on the matter, said: “Widespread adoption of safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 will allow people to return to something closer to their normal lives before the pandemic. It is critical that the public around the world is given accurate scientific information about vaccines and disinformation is countered. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to help do this.”
Further information on this initiative can be found at: https://health-desk.org/vaccines/
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About Johnson Winter & Slattery
Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 65 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major Australian and international corporations and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes across Australia and surrounding regions. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their commercial objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver cost-effective commercial outcomes.
Media contacts:
Daya Knapton, Communications Manager
E: Daya.Knapton@jws.com.au
T: +61 2 8247 9638
Kate Potter, Business Development Director
E: Kate.Potter@jws.com.au
T: +61 2 8247 9659