Children aged five to 11 will soon be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approving the Pfizer jab for younger children.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt made the announcement on Sunday.
Subject to final considerations and recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for children will begin on January 10, 2022.
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“Vaccinating five to 11-year-old children in Australia against COVID-19 is a significant step closer, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approving the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine as safe and effective for use among this age group,” Mr Hunt said.
“The TGA’s provisional approval of the Pfizer vaccine for five to 11-year-olds was based on a careful evaluation of available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group.
“The vaccine dose approved by the TGA for children aged five to 11 is the same safe and effective vaccine used for other age cohorts, however is one-third the dose approved for those aged 12 and over.”
As with other age groups, the Pfizer vaccine will be given to the 2.3 million children aged five to 11 in Australia in two doses, at least three weeks apart.
It’s expected the vaccines will initially be made available through GPs, Aboriginal Health Services, community pharmacies and state and territory-run clinics.
“Once the final ATAGI advice is received, further information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccination will be provided,” Mr Hunt said.
The government hopes children will be able to receive at least their first dose before they return to school in 2022, with the first shipment of the children’s doses due to arrive in the country in early January.
Mr Hunt said the rollout will build on the rapid uptake of the vaccine among children aged 12 to 15.
In just 11 weeks, more than 76.6 per cent of the cohort has had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, with 67.5 per cent now fully vaccinated.
The TGA is also currently evaluating an application from Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine to be used in Australia for children aged six to 11.
Across Australia, 87.9 per cent of the population over 16 are fully vaccinated, with more than 92.8 per cent having received their first dose.