People aged 12 to 15 who are at most at risk of severe disease are recommended to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination from 14 June 2022.
The Albanese Government has accepted advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to make a booster dose of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine available to around 120,000 children aged 12-15 years old, who are most at risk of severe disease.
To be eligible for a booster dose, the children must have completed a primary course of vaccination 3 or more months ago, and meet one or more of these criteria:
- be severely immunocompromised
- have a disability with significant or complex health needs
- have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
The Albanese Government is working with the health sector, states and territories and community groups to ensure everyone in Australia is protected from COVID-19 and prepared for winter.
We will work in partnership to ensure we communicate with Australians and to share information widely across the community.
ATAGI is not recommending a booster dose for all adolescents aged 12-15 years at this stage.
Evidence shows otherwise healthy adolescents who have received two primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine remain well protected against severe disease.
The recommendation only applies to the Comirnaty (Pfizer) booster. Other vaccines such as Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax) are not registered for use as a booster for this age group.
ATAGI is maintaining its recommendation that all people wait 3 months between a recent confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection and receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI is also recommending that all Australians receive an influenza vaccine as soon as possible. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are also safe and effective to receive at the same time.
More information about COVID-19 vaccination is available online - COVID-19 vaccines (australia.gov.au)
QUOTES FOR ATTRIBUTION TO MINISTER BUTLER
“I welcome ATAGI’s advice to make boosters available to around 120,000 vulnerable young Australians who have significant health conditions.
“These shots will be available from Tuesday 14 June, and I encourage all those eligible for these boosters to book in.
“ATAGI has recommended all Australians receive an influenza vaccine as soon as possible, because after a few flu seasons with low transmission rates, there is a chance this season could be a difficult one.
“Protect yourself and your family this winter by getting boosted and vaccinated for COVID and influenza.