Latest recommendation updates:
- ATAGI recommends Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine can be used for primary vaccination in children aged 6-11 years.
- The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available and recommended for 5-11 year old children. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an alternative option for children aged 6-11 years. Pfizer remains the only vaccination available for children who are 5 years old. There are currently no vaccines licensed for children aged 4 years and under.
- Side effects reported following the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have been mild to moderate and transient but may be more common than those following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that immunisation providers are vigilant for the potential for dosing errors with the Moderna vaccine for children.
Recent ATAGI considerations
On Wednesday 23 February 2022, ATAGI met to consider the latest developments relating to COVID-19 immunisation. As of 21 February 2022, over 53 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia. ATAGI encourages anyone aged 16 years and over to receive a booster dose as soon as they are eligible.
ATAGI Clinical Guidance for Vaccination Providers
The ATAGI Clinical Guidance for Vaccination Providers continues to be regularly reviewed and updated with current recommendations.
Upcoming ATAGI considerations
Myocarditis Guidance
ATAGI continues to review current and emerging data regarding adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, including rates of myocarditis. ATAGI is currently reviewing the Guidance on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and will be releasing an update soon.
ATAGI is continuing to monitor evidence on the long-term effectiveness of vaccine boosters and national vaccination coverage rates.
COVID-19 vaccine safety
The TGA Weekly Report provides a detailed breakdown of adverse events following immunisation.
Resources and recent statements
ATAGI recommends review of the following key resources:
- 18 February 2022: ATAGI guidance on temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines.
- 3 February 2022: ATAGI Statement on booster doses for adolescents 16 to 17 years
- 24 January 2022: ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
- 19 January 2022: Updated ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised .
- Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 vaccination providers (new look web version of the clinical guidance).
- 24 December 2021: ATAGI Statement on the Omicron variant of concern and the timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination.
- 10 December 2021: ATAGI recommendations on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 5 to 11 years.
