The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by an Australian pharmaceutical company for use in children between the ages of 12 and 15.
Health Minister Greg Hunt announces approval on Friday Said The Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) has thoroughly and independently evaluated national and international evidence prior to extending vaccine approval.
“As with all vaccination decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Immunotechnology Advisory Group (ATAGI) is reviewing this approval and specializing in which adolescent groups should be prioritized for vaccine deployment. I’ll give you home advice, and when and how to administer it, “Hunt said.
To date, the Pfizer vaccine has only been approved for use in Australia by people over the age of 16.
Hunt said the National COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force is investigating the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines for children and the final decision on deployment is scheduled for next week.
If ATAGI gives a green light, it is expected that children with immune system disorders or underlying disorders will soon be added to the vaccine deployment and gain access to Pfizer.
Hunt also said that once approved, the government would urgently deploy to children at higher health risks.
“In early advice, I have,” Hunt said. Channel 7 Sunrise Program On Friday. “They quickly track vaccines aged 12 to 15 years for immunocompromised children, or children with underlying health conditions, and then review data on the general population next month.
However, it is expected that vaccination of children will begin until all adults have been vaccinated. The minister also said adults under the age of 40 would not be able to jab because the government was still waiting for some of Pfizer’s stock to arrive in September or early October.
Earlier this week, British authorities approved a vaccine for use in children with severe disabilities and health.
UK regulators have decided to oppose vaccination of people under the age of 18 who do not have an underlying health condition.
In the United States, the Pfizer vaccine was approved earlier this year between the ages of 12 and 15.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday was optimistic that children under the age of 12 would be approved for vaccination in the coming months.
The head of the World Health Organization is calling on the government to immediately vaccinate healthy children in front of front-line workers and high-risk groups.