Australian teenagers aged 12-15 who are at risk of severe disease will be able to receive a COVID-19 booster shot from as early as next week.
The Federal Government has accepted advice from the vaccine advisory body to make a Pfizer booster dose available to about 120,000 adolescents.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised eligible children must have completed a primary course of vaccination at least three months ago, and need to be either severely immunocompromised, have a disability with significant health needs, or have complex conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
They will be able to receive the COVID-19 booster from Tuesday, June 14.
ATAGI is not recommending a booster dose for all adolescents aged 12-15 years at this stage, saying evidence shows otherwise healthy teenagers who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine remain well protected against severe disease.
It said it would continue to review international evidence on the efficacy of booster doses in the age group.
Its recommendation only applies to the Pfizer shot, as Moderna and Novavax are not registered for use as a booster in the 12-15 age group.
Health Minister Mark Butler welcomed the advice, and noted ATAGI had also recommended all Australians receive an influenza vaccine as soon as possible.
"Protect yourself and your family this winter by getting boosted and vaccinated for COVID and influenza."
All Australians aged 16 and older who had their second COVID-19 shot at least three months ago are now eligible for a booster dose.
An additional winter booster is also recommended for other people at increased risk of severe illness, to be given four months after their first booster shot.
