COVID-19 child vaccine for children 5-12 years olds now available
Children between the age of 5 and 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine for free from their local GP or other vaccine provider.
After reviewing international data, the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) recently approved the Pfizer vaccine in this age group. This has been followed up with the approval by The Australian Technical Advisory Group on immunisations (ATAGI). The ATAGI full report could be read here.
A very brief summary of the recommendations is as follows .
- Vaccination is recommended for children (even well children) between the age of 5-12
- The benefit of the vaccine to children is beyond just preventing disease or disease spread to adults
- The dose is specific for children under 12 years of age, being one third of the adult dose
- The dose interval has been set at 8 week (this gives better immunity and less side effects) but can be reduced to as little as 3 weeks in exceptional circumstances
Child vaccine eligibility
- ATAGI recommends vaccination with the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 5-11 years.
- Children aged 5-11 years with medical risk factors for severe illness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children living in crowded conditions or outbreak areas are most likely to benefit from COVID-19 vaccination given their increased risk of severe outcomes and/or exposure.
- Children aged 5-11 years who have previously had SARS-CoV-2 infection can receive the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 child vaccine. This is recommended following recovery from their illness or vaccination can be deferred for up to 4 months. This includes children with a past history of PIMS-TS or post COVID-19 condition (‘long COVID’).
Schedule and availability of the COVID-19 child vaccine
- The recommended schedule for the COVID-19 child vaccine in this age group is 2 doses, 8 weeks apart. The interval gives the best balance of good immune response and low side effects The interval can be shortened in special circumstances to a minimum of 3 weeks, such as in an outbreak response, prior to the initiation of significant immunosuppression or international travel.
- Children who turn 12 after their first dose may receive the adolescent/adult formation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to complete their primary vaccine course.
Co-administration
- The paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines such as the flu vaccine.
- There is minimal evidence about co-administration of vaccines
Making a 5-12 COVD-19 vaccine booking
Making a booking is simple and can be done online (by clicking the book now button) or by calling 02 9817 2080.
You only need to book your first appointment as your second shot will be booked in the clinic during the consult.
If you had your COVID-19 vaccine somewhere else you are welcome to have your second shot or booster at HHMP.
We continue to vaccinate adults both for the primary course or for the booster dose on most days. We encourage all those eligible for a booster to get one.
As usual, vaccination will occur at our vaccination clinic on level 1 which is accessible by the internal lift or outdoor stairs. Please follow the signs.
