Moderna vaccine rollout expanded to include children aged six years and older

This recommendation follows the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the provisional approval of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).  

ATAGI recommends that for children aged between six and 11 years old, a paediatric dose of Moderna is half the dose currently provided for people aged 12 years and over - two doses of 50μg per dose (0.25mL), eight weeks apart, or three doses for immunocompromised children.  

Immunisation providers are being advised to be vigilant for the potential for dosing errors with the Moderna vaccine for children. 

At this stage, ATAGI does not recommend the use of mixed primary schedules in this age group. 

ATAGI advises Paediatric COVID-19 vaccines, including the Moderna vaccine, may be co-administered with other vaccines. Parents and guardians should be aware that this may increase the likelihood of mild to moderate side effects. 

The recommended eight-week interval can be shortened to four weeks for children at risk of moderate to severe COVID-19, for example those with underlying health conditions, in an outbreak or before international travel. 

ATAGI statement