Latest recommendation updates
- ATAGI recommendations on use of Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17 years
Recent ATAGI considerations
On Wednesday 24 August 2022, ATAGI met to consider the latest developments relating to COVID-19 immunisation. As of 22 August, 63 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12-17 years
On 28 July 2022 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine (Biocelect Pty Ltd/Novavax Inc) for use in adolescents aged 12-17 years.
ATAGI has evaluated data on immunogenicity, efficacy, safety, and in international settings to make recommendations on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in this age group.
The Australian Government has accepted advice from ATAGI that adolescents aged 12-17 years can receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination. For more information, see the ATAGI recommendations on use of Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17 years.
Adolescents aged 12-17 years will be able to book in to receive Novavax COVID-19 vaccine from 5 September 2022.
Consideration of variant vaccines
As part of an ongoing review of current and emerging data from both Australia and international settings, ATAGI examined information with respect to the future role of COVID-19 variant vaccines in Australia’s vaccine program, including Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax Bivalent Zero/Omicron.
ATAGI continue to emphasise the importance of remaining up to date with the COVID-19 vaccinations recommended for your age or individual health needs.
Ongoing review of COVID-19 vaccine safety
The TGA Fortnightly Report provides a detailed breakdown of adverse events following immunisation, including Australian rates of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Resources and recent statements
More information can be found in the following resources:
- 7 July 2022: ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- 9 June 2022 – on the use of a first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years
- 25 May 2022 – expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19
- 8 April 2022 – on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years
More information can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care website, with resources for both providers and patients.