COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids: Pfizer approved for 12 to 15 year olds

A major announcement has been made by Health Minister Greg Hunt, with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine being approved for children aged 12 to 15 years of age.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said the decision was made after clinical studies and careful evaluation. The Health Minister appeared on the Today Show to make the announcement, “Over the course of the period between now and mid-to-late August they will be assessing international data on 12 to 15-year-olds and we are quietly hopeful that will be a positive decision for the whole of population in which case we would then ensure that there’s rollout during the course of 2021 through a combination of schools and general access.”

While the vaccine rollout has been slow to start and progress within Australia, with much public criticism, the vaccine rollout plan for younger generations is still unknown and to be announced. The government’s immunisation advisory panel will be deciding who will be a priority for this vaccine in this age group, and whether they will prioritise for children with underlying health conditions. An announcement is expected next week around rollout timings for this younger age group.

Of course vaccines are a hot topic, and there has been criticism around how safe this will be for kids. Greg Hunt was confident, stating that other nations had already started their vaccine programs for under 18s. “With great respect, the United States is currently vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds,” the health minister, Greg Hunt stated.

According to abc.net.au, so far 10,654,563 does of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered around the country. At present 36.6% of Australians have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 14.98% have received both doses.
Will your children be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s open for under 18s?

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41 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 13 May 2024
    11:45 am
I work with special needs children and they are all up to date with these.

- - sharna_booth_weinrowski said
  - 30 Mar 2022
    9:47 am
both my kids are fully vax.
Did not think twice.

- - ashna9 said
  - 03 Sep 2021
    9:40 pm
I’m not sure on my kids getting it yet.

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 03 Sep 2021
    1:20 pm
I’ve had mine and I can’t wait until my kids are allowed theirs! They are 9 and 6.

- - Zmijka86 said
  - 04 Aug 2021
    8:31 am
I am starting to get more and more confused about whole vaccination….

- - mom160421 said
  - 29 Jul 2021
    3:03 pm
The longer this goes on, the more I feel we all need to be vaccinated, including children.

- - smart_ass said
  - 29 Jul 2021
    10:59 am
I think it’s the way moving forward – we don’t know the long terms, but not having it may constrict us more (e.g. travel)

- - nadine_hill said
  - 29 Jul 2021
    9:15 am
I think everyone should be vaccinated, I feel it’s the only way we will gain some control over it …..
- mom93821 replied
  
  31 Jul 2021 , 8:15 am
  We do indeed need to battle covid and be protected against the virus.
- - tessie said
  - 28 Jul 2021
    1:12 pm
If my boys were still young I’d definitely get them immunised once it was approved.

- - LCotte60 said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    10:25 pm
I feel comfortable for my kids to receive once they get the all clear.

- - mom160421 said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    4:50 pm
I worry about any long term effects.

- - Danicastefanie said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    3:25 pm
I would have it if it meant we could travel. But no way I’m giving it to my babies. And currently pregnant I won’t take it yet either

- - HelenP5 said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    12:02 pm
I’m not sure we should be giving the vaccine to children or young women yet to have their own children. There is no guarantee that there wont be any long term effects that may not only impact those getting the vaccine but also their unborn children. I believe until we have enough research to be sure it is safe, people under 18 shouldn’t have others making the choice for them.

- - mom93821 said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    6:38 am
Vaccines make absolute sense to us. Reputable research is well worth investigating.

- - Ellen said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    4:35 am
We want to travel as a family to the Netherlands and the UK this year, if vaccines are what gets us there then yes !

- - Dockerchic said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    12:31 am
I’m happy to take it. But I’m less sure about giving to kids.

- - mom478112 said
  - 26 Jul 2021
    12:31 am
I personally would hold off until majority of the adult population were immunised. Children aren’t as susceptible to getting sick as adults (in the case of this particular virus)

- - mom450003 said
  - 25 Jul 2021
    4:36 pm
Not sure yet still on the fence

- - Mom466555 said
  - 25 Jul 2021
    8:07 am
I’m.waiting to see long term effects first

- - mumof3 said
  - 24 Jul 2021
    7:18 pm
It’s such an incredibly tough decision. I’m not anti vaxx and am usually all for it, but it’s just so new and so many uncertainties on long term affects. I will be getting the Pfizer when it’s available for my age group, but I still unsure about it for my kids. At least I have time to think about it since they are too young and aren’t in the age group yet.