Everyone aged 5 years and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Some young children aged 6 months – 4 years may also be eligible if they have severe immunocompromise, disability, complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase their risk of severe COVID-19. Speak to your child’s usual medical provider to find out if they are eligible. More information is available on the ATAGI website (external site) and these appointments can be booked through the Vaccine Clinic Finder (external site).
In Australia, COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended for children under 5 years of age, unless they meet the specified criteria (external site). These children have a very low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19.
Which vaccine can my child receive?
Children aged:
- 6 months to under 5 years, if eligible: age-appropriate dose of the Moderna (Spikevax) or from January 2023, Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccines
- 5-11 years: age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine
- 6-11 years: age-appropriate dose of the Moderna (Spikevax) or Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccines
- 12 years and over: can receive either the Pfizer (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), or Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccines
For booster doses, if eligible, the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine is the recommended COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-15 years. Novavax (Nuvaxovid) can be given as a booster dose in adolescents aged 12 years and older if the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is unsuitable.
Note: Booster doses of the vaccine are not recommended for healthy children and adolescents aged under 15 years.
Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are only recommended for certain eligible children aged 5-15 years, such as those with a disability, significant or complex health needs and/or health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19. Speak to your child’s usual medical provider to find out if they are eligible. More information is available on the ATAGI website (external site).
People aged under 18 years of age are not eligible to receive the Moderna Bivalent, Pfizer Bivalent , or AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 vaccines.
When can my child get a COVID-19 vaccination?
This infograph (external site) explains when your child can get a COVID-19 vaccination.
If your child has recently tested positive to COVID-19, it is recommended they wait 3 months after their infection, before receiving their next COVID-19 vaccination. Waiting 3 months is likely to lead to a better immune response and result in longer protection from reinfection with the virus.
How many doses does my child need?
This infograph (external site) explains how many doses of a COVID-19 vaccination your child may need.
The below information is for children and adolescents aged 6 months – 17 years.
In Australia, children aged 5 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Most children are recommended to receive two doses for their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination.
Some young children aged 6 months – 4 years may also be eligible for vaccination if they have severe immunocompromise, disability, complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase their risk of severe COVID-19. Speak to your child’s usual medical provider to find out if they are eligible. More information is available on the ATAGI website (external site).
Depending on their personal circumstances and medical history, additional doses of a COVID-19 vaccination may be recommended for optimal protection against the virus.
It’s important to speak to your usual medical provider about the number of COVID-19 vaccines that are recommended for your child.
Vaccination for children requiring assistance
If your child has a disability or requires special assistance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your preferred participating GP, pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Services to find out how they might be able to help.
You can also text or SMS ‘Hey EVA’ to 0481 611 382, to receive a call back from a National Coronavirus Helpline representative who will help you find a vaccination appointment for the person you are booking an appointment for. Hours of operation are 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
Once you text ‘Hey EVA,’ you will receive a templated response text message reply asking for your name, language (if required), time and date for a call back, and your preferred contact number. A specially trained call taker from the National Coronavirus Helpline will call you back and book a vaccine appointment that suits your needs.