High-risk children aged six months to four years are now able to access COVID-19 vaccinations.
New advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is recommending the use of a Moderna paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
Children aged six months to four years with severe immunocompromise and complex heath conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 will be able to access COVID-19 vaccinations.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said vaccines would be available from 5 September 2022.
“Children with severe primary or secondary immunodeficiency, complex congenital cardiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellites will now be eligible,” he said.
“ATAGI recommends two primary doses administered eight weeks apart.
“Vaccines will be available through participating at GPs across WA from 5 September or the Stan Perron Immunisation Centre at the Perth Children’s Hospital from 6 September 2022.”
Children with severe immunocompromise may require three primary doses, each eight weeks apart. This includes children with:
- severe primary or secondary immunodeficiency, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, or on immunosuppressive treatments;
- bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy;
- complex congenital cardiac disease;
- structural airway anomalies or chronic lung disease;
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- chronic neurological or neuromuscular conditions; or
- a disability that requires frequent assistance with activities of daily living, such as severe cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).
ATAGI does not recommend vaccination for children aged 6 months to under five years who are not in the above risk categories.
