On Mar. 23, 2022, Moderna announced the finalization of a strategic partnership with the Australian Federal Government to establish a state-of-the-art, domestic mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Australia. This finalizes the agreement in principle with the Australian Federal Government announced in December 2021.

The facility, when constructed, is expected to provide people in Australia with access to a domestically manufactured portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other potential respiratory viruses, pending licensure.

Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, Moderna will develop and commission the facility in Melbourne, Victoria, and expects to create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation. Construction is expected to commence before the end of 2022, with a target date of the end of 2024 for the facility to become operational, subject to planning and regulatory approvals.