The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended the federal government to add children, aged 12 to 15, to Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program over time.
They said that, while data on vaccine safety among children were still being gathered, the benefits of vaccination far outweighed its potential risks. They also added that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for the age group.
Ever since the national medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), approved Pfizer for those aged 12 and over back in July,
Leaders across the country have been pressuring the government to include children within the rollout.
WHEN CAN CHILDREN GET THE JAB?
Currently, the vaccine is already available exclusively for children aged 12 to 15 who are Indigenous, live in remote areas, are part of the NDIS, or have specific underlying health conditions.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that starting September 13, children of the general public would be able to book an appointment for the Pfizer jab.
“Principally I would see that happening especially through the GP network, and that provides the opportunity for family vaccinations, for the family to go along together across those age groups,” he said.
LIMITED SUPPLY
However, while appointments will be open, getting the vaccine itself is another separate issue.
Due to the limited supply of Pfizer vaccines, ATAGI said that older Australians will still be prioritized first before the 12 to 15 age group.
“Vaccination still does benefit children by preventing COVID-19 and its complications, and in lowering the risk of school disruption, although their contribution to community transmission is thought to be less than in adults,” they said.
The scheduled jab for those aged 12 to 15 will be situational and will depend on the sufficiency of the supply.
The states and territories are in charge of deciding when its mass vaccine hubs will start vaccinating children.
On Wednesday, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said that the state would “act promptly” once ATAGI released its advice, but warned there still could be waits on appointments.
ATAGI said its recommendations on Moderna’s vaccine for adolescents would be made available once the TGA released its findings.
