Victoria has taken the lead on attempting to anticipate the next step in the fight against COVID-19, asking people awaiting booster doses to donate blood to aid research.
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Innovation Minister Jaala Pulford says up to 1500 donors are being sought.
The project will be run by the state's Vaccines Collection biobank at Melbourne's Doherty Institute, which has previously been commissioned extensively by the federal government to provide modelling.
It's expected to offer an insight into the effectiveness of vaccines and the long-term effects of COVID-19 but also help experts prepare for new strains.
People due to receive a third vaccine dose are eligible to participate, with donors providing blood samples over two years including before and after receiving the booster jab.
Ms Pulford says the elderly, people living with HIV, healthcare workers, those who've been infected with coronavirus and the immunocompromised are strongly encouraged to apply.
"This new biobank will be a key part of managing coronavirus going forward while allowing researchers to monitor the effects of vaccines and prepare for any new strains," she said.
Victoria recorded another 5046 new infections on Sunday along with a further four virus-related deaths.
NSW has reported 8782 new cases and another five related deaths, one who was aged over 100.
Tasmania recorded 757 cases, while in the ACT there were 562 infections.
Meanwhile, anyone who tests positive to the virus and is isolating during the NSW flood emergency has been asked to obey orders to evacuate.
COVID-19 positive people arriving at flood evacuation centres must notify staff, wear a mask and physically distance from others.
Australian Associated Press
