Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appealed to the European Commission to intervene.

Italy barred the planned export of around 250,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine after the drug manufacturer failed to meet its European Union contract commitments.

Italy's decision was given the approval of the commission.

As Angus simmers in Europe over the slow supply of vaccine doses.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has told fellow EU leaders they must take a tougher approach to drug companies.

Morrison said he could understand the reasons for Italy's objection.

In Italy, people are dying at the rate of 300 a day and so I can certainly understand the high level of anxiety that would exist in Italy and in many countries across Europe as is regularly conveyed to me and so they have some real difficulties there.

They are in a an unbridled crisis situation that is not the situation in Australia, but nevertheless we've been able to secure our supplies.

EU countries began inoculations at the end of December but are moving at a far slower pace than many other nations.

Australia started its vaccination program two weeks ago but is under less pressure than Europe, having recorded just under 29,000 covid 19 cases and 909 deaths.