New ATAGI advice on vaccination of adolescents

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended that certain groups of children be prioritised for vaccination using the Pfizer vaccine. 

ATAGI says that children aged 12–15 years of age who have specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those in remote communities should be prioritised.  The Commonwealth has accepted this recommendation and these groups will become eligible under the COVID-19 program from 9 August 2021.

This statement follows the approval by the TGA of vaccines for this purpose. See the statement issued 2 August 2021 from ATAGI here. 

ATAGI said it will make recommendations on the vaccine’s use  in all other children in the 12-15 years age group within the coming months.