There is strong local demand for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 as parents and guardians prepare their youngsters for the start of the school year.
Children aged 5 to 11 became eligible to receive a new, lower-dose formulation of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years in December 2021, following earlier approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Approval was based on a careful evaluation of available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group.
The under-12s Pfizer vaccine is 10μg (0.2mL) or only a third of the recommended 30μg dose administered to people aged 12 and over.
Children under 12 still receive two doses, although these will be eight weeks apart, unlike the three-week interval for older cohorts.
Health advice is that a longer interval between doses appears to generate a stronger immune response.
Use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book an appointment, or book at one of NSW Health’s vaccination clinics.
NSW Health clinics are taking bookings for children aged 5 to 11 at:
- Port Macquarie – 35 Grant Street
- Kempsey – 119 River Street, West Kempsey
- Coffs Harbour – Coffs Harbour Health Campus, 345 Pacific Highway
- Grafton – Link Arcade, Prince Street end
- Lismore – 138 Molesworth Street
- Tweed Heads – Shop 23, Tweed Mall, Wharf Street.
Before your child’s vaccination, experts recommend you:
- talk to your child about what to expect
- tell the vaccinator about any allergies your child has
- talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions
- remember to schedule your child’s second dose
- ensure your child avoids vigorous exercise for the rest of the day to reduce fatigue.
It’s important not to wait to vaccinate, as some children can get very sick from COVID-19 and can spread the illness to others. Also:
- don’t give your child pain relief before their vaccination, give it to them afterwards if they have any side effects such as a headache or sore arm
- don’t consider your child fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose.
For more information, visit NSW Health.