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.
Further details are available in the ATAGI statement.
To find a participating GP, parents of eligible children are encouraged to check the Vaccine Clinic Finder..
Bookings are essential for the PCH clinic and can be made via VaccinateWA from today (31 August).
More information about COVID-19 vaccinations is available from the Roll Up for WA website.
ENDS
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