Covid-19 Australia: Pfizer vaccines could be approved for children as young as five before Christmas
Major changes to Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination program as authorities ramp up battle against Omicron variant
- Covid-19 vaccines could be available to children as young as five by Christmas
- Health Minister Greg Hunt said ATAGI should make the call before end of year
- January 10 is already earmarked as a possible starting date for the jab rollout
- He said Moderna booster shots could also be available for general population
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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation should make a call on Pfizer pediatric doses before year’s end.
It is understood the first shipment is due to arrive in Australia before Christmas.
The process is ‘heading in a positive direction’, Mr Hunt said.
‘(The TGA) will provide that advice, ATAGI will then provide their response and we’re hopeful that if we’ve got two green lights we would commence the children’s pediatric doses in the first part of January.’
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation should make the call on whether children can access Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines by Christmas
While January 10 is a possible starting date for the rollout, it could commence a week either side.
Mr Hunt said Moderna booster doses for the general population are also on the cards, with confirmation by Christmas or sooner.
‘I’m due to get my booster in the next 10 days, so that might be a very good option to show that message,’ he said.
While January 10 is a possible starting date for the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, it could commence a week either side
The TGA is also making progress on the protein-based Novavax vaccine and could issue a pre-Christmas approval for doses to become available in the new year.
ATAGI has decided not to shorten the six-month timeframe in which people are advised to get a booster, due to earlier boosters not being proven to provide extra protection against the Omicron variant.
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it is too early to determine whether the strain will result in increased hospitalisations or deaths, however there is evidence it is the same as, or milder than, current variants.
