Australia will start offering COVID-19 vaccines for children aged between 5 and 11 years from January 10, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Pfizer jab will be administered in the initial phase, while the suitability of Moderna vaccine is also being evaluated and a decision is expected in the next few weeks. Following a review of clinical data from Canada, Australia’s vaccination advisory group recommended an eight-week gap between two vaccine doses; however, it can be reduced in case of an outbreak.

Australia has vaccinated around 90% of its population aged above 16 years with two doses and nearly 70% of children, 12 to 15 years of age, have been fully vaccinated… (Reuters, December 10, 2021)