ATAGI says booster not recommended for 12-15 years
On 8 April 2022, the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved a booster dose of Community (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine use in adolescents aged 12-15 years old.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reviewed the benefits and risks of a booster dose in this nature to adolescents in Australia aged 12-15 years old. Current data around the severity of this illness in adolescents of this age shows it is very rare, particularly after completion of a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination.
Therefore, ATAGI does not recommend this age group receives a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. They will continue to review international evidence on efficacy of a booster in this age group.
ATAGI continues to strongly recommend vaccination of all young people aged five to 15 years with two primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including those who may have previously contracted the disease. Three primary doses are recommended for those in the age group who are severely immunocompromised.