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ATAGI recommends Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use as a booster for 16-17 year olds

Published 3 February 2022

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years.

This clinical recommendation aims to maximise protection for this age group who are at a critical point in their secondary education and early working lives. People in this age group are also very mobile and may engage in increased social mixing. Comirnaty (Pfizer) is the only vaccine registered for use as a booster for people aged 16–17 years at present.

Recommendations:

ATAGI recommends a booster vaccination with the 30 microgram Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine, for all adolescents aged 16-17 years who have previously received any TGA approved or recognised vaccines for their primary vaccine schedule, from 3 months after receiving their last primary dose. This includes those who were aged under 16 years when they received their last primary dose and are now aged 16 years.
Adolescents aged 16-17 years who are severely immunocompromised and have received a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Refer to ATAGI advice) should also receive a booster dose (4th dose) of the Pfizer vaccine when they become eligible from 3 months after receiving their third primary dose.
Adolescents with risk factors for severe disease or those in work or environmental settings that place them at higher risk of exposure (e.g., healthcare, aged care, disability care), are recommended to receive their booster dose as soon as they become eligible (Refer to risk factors in ATAGI clinical guidance).
Adolescents who have recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection and are now eligible for a booster are still recommended to receive their booster dose. This booster dose can be administered immediately after recovery from acute illness or can be deferred for up to 4 months. (Refer to detailed ATAGI advice for considerations regarding timing of booster doses after SARS-CoV-2 infection).
Adolescents eligible for a booster who have previously developed myocarditis or pericarditis after a primary dose of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) should discuss the benefits and risks of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose with their cardiologist and/or treating doctor to determine whether they should receive a booster or defer vaccination. Refer to ATAGI advice on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. People with previous anaphylaxis to an mRNA vaccine are contraindicated to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
Pfizer vaccine is the only brand currently registered for use as a booster dose in this age group. ATAGI will update this advice if other vaccines are approved.