COVID-19 vaccinations for children updates
Date published:
22 Aug 2022
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce updates
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has recently released three new clinical flowcharts for the management of children and adolescents with COVID-19:
The clinical flowchart on Drug treatments for children and adolescents has also been updated. For further information, visit the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce website.
Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine for children six months to five years old
The Australian Government has accepted a recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to make the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available to children aged 6 months to under 5 years in certain at-risk population groups from 5 September 2022, following its approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 19 July 2022.
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Rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged six months to under five years
The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged six months to under five years will commence on 5 September 2022.
The first phase of the rollout will include vaccination of eligible children under five years of age who:
- have multiple co-morbidities that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
- experience severe disability
- are immunocompromised.
Under a partnership agreement with states and territories, the Department of Health and Aged Care is aiming to establish vaccination sites accessible via paediatric clinics in hospitals or through children’s hospitals. Further information regarding vaccination sites will be provided once confirmed.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has advised that training ahead of the September rollout is in development and it is hoped that it will be ready to providers by late August. While paediatricians are not required to administer vaccinations, the Department of Health and Aged Care has reached out to the College in recognition of the role that many of our members will play in this phase of COVID-19 vaccinations. Noting that parents will be seeking advice, support and confirmation of eligibility from paediatricians.
COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged five to 11 years
All children aged five years and older are already recommended to have their COVID-19 vaccination. Previously, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination was registered for use in five-year-olds and Moderna was registered from six years of age. From 5 September 2022, five-year-olds will be able to receive either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has prepared posters which can be printed by members and displayed in workplaces to encourage vaccination uptake. The posters can be downloaded from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.