COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer Comirnaty for children aged 5-11 years

On 08/12/2021 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) approved and recommended vaccination with the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 5-11 years.

- The recommended schedule is 2 doses, 8 weeks apart. The interval can be shortened in special circumstances to a minimum of 3 weeks, such as in an outbreak response, prior to the initiation of significant immunosuppression or international travel.

- Children who turn 12 after their first dose may receive the adolescent/adult formation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to complete their primary vaccine course.

- The paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines. This may be associated with an increase in mild-moderate adverse events.

- While vaccination is recommended for children aged 5 to 11 years, ATAGI does not support restricting the activities of children in this age group who are not vaccinated or have only received one dose.

- Children aged 5-11 years who have previously had COVID-19 (infection) can receive the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This is recommended following recovery from their illness or vaccination can be deferred for up to 6 months.