10 December 2021

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) welcomes the announcement that children aged 5 to 11 years old will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccination from January 10, 2022.

The announcement follows recommendations made by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) about COVID-19 vaccination for children.

RACP President-elect Dr Jacqueline Small says, “This announcement is welcome news for families, paediatricians and physicians across the country.

“It will be really important to begin vaccination ahead of the school term next year so that children can have the best protection from the  virus that causes COVID-19.

“Vaccinating children may help to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and contribute to keeping the whole community healthy and safe.

“Children have been impacted by school closures during COVID-19 over the past 18-months, and the restrictions on activities, friendships and wider networks. Vaccination is another strategy to  help children remain in school.

“Parents can be confident that the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines has been carefully evaluated through international clinical trials and analysis of real-world data in more than 5 million children.

“Data has shown the vaccine to be effective and well tolerated, with most adverse effects being mild and transient.

“While most children who get COVID-19 will have mild or no symptoms, a very small number of will experience severe disease, an inflammatory condition after acute illness or a lengthy illness from COVID related complications. That’s why it’s so important that children have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Paediatricians and physicians stand ready to answer questions and reassure parents that the vaccine is safe and effective for their children.” Dr Small said.

Media contact: Amelia Brock, 0430 187 161