A Sydney health expert has assured Australians that the production of a coronavirus vaccine is not cutting corners on safety.

Sydney University Professor and Social Scientist Dr Julie Leask said vaccines in Australia will only be accepted once they are safe and effective.

“There’s this belief that because they’ve produced these vaccines at record speed that they’ll somehow cut corners on safety,” she told Weekend Sunrise.

“They’re not cutting corners on safety.

“Australia will only let in very safe and effective enough vaccines so we can be confident with what we know now about the vaccines from the trials that it will be safe enough.

“Then, of course, we’ll be monitoring things after the vaccine is started to be used in Australia.”

Dr Leask added she would pick her battles when it came to dealing with anti-vaxxers.

“There are many people who just won’t move on vaccination,” she said.

“I might be looking to see if someone is hesitant and has concerns and that’s likely to be quite a few… who are just a bit wary of that new vaccine and once they learn more will vaccinate and I will then be recommending vaccination to them.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced that every Australian could receive a free coronavirus vaccination early next year, if a promising trial proves successful.