The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for all Australians aged 12 and up after health experts said the increasing spread of the Delta variant made vaccinating adolescents even more important.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation announced the change on Friday morning, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison had flagged the decision earlier in the week.“Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all individuals from 12 years of age, extending the current recommendation for those aged 16 years and older,” the“A two-dose schedule using Comirnaty , the only vaccine currently registered for use in Australia in this age group, is recommended.
ATAGI said the spread of the Delta variant among younger children was a contributing factor to the decision.“In the many countries experiencing Delta variant transmission, including in Australia, the median age of people with COVID-19 is falling with adolescents and children accounting for a higher proportion of disease in the context of vaccinated older age groups,” the group said.
“Overall hospitalisation rates for COVID-19 in the adolescent age group are higher than for other diseases such as influenza.”“The evidence shows, to the best of our knowledge to date, COVID-19 – even with Delta – remains a mild illness for children,” Royal Australasian College of Physicians president-elect and paediatrician Dr Jacqueline Small said.“We’ve taken a decision that bookings will open for children aged 12 to 15 from the 13th of September,” Mr Morrison said.
rachelclun Vaccinate vulnerable people in phase 1b first. Indigenous people in rural nsw are the precipice of disaster
rachelclun Two fulls doses for a 12 year old like an adult surely not?
rachelclun so we ordered more yet or still just taking from rural supplies?
rachelclun Is the vaccination important for the health of these children themselves, or is it important that they function as instruments in the health of some adults? COVID19Aus LeaveOurKidsAlone medtwitter auspol
rachelclun Just like the PM forecast😎
rachelclun We need an independent inquiry into the vaccine rollout debacle GregHuntMP ScottMorrisonMP
rachelclun Morons are exempt for the vaccines on the grounds that nature is red in tooth and claw.
rachelclun Finally!!!
rachelclun What's the difference between 11 and 12?
rachelclun 'Pfizer approved for all Australians aged 12 & up' is a misleading statement. People aged over 60 won't be offered it & as there's not enough to go around younger people are being offered AZ. You can't escape the fact we have a MorrisonVaccineCrisis LNPfail auspol
rachelclun Cool. With vaccine we don’t have nearly enough of, and won’t have until next year.
rachelclun But in households w unvaccinated under 12 year olds, why should they return to school? nswpol auspol