COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to under 5 years

ATAGI recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years in certain at-risk population groups. ATAGI has recommended the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are severely immunocompromised, or have disability, as well as those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.

These include children with the following or similar conditions:

  • Severe primary or secondary immunodeficiency, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, or on immunosuppressive treatments as listed in the ATAGI advice on 3rd primary doses of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised;
  • 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).

Read the full ATAGI statement on vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years here.

These children will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from Monday, 5 September.

As a peak body and advocacy organisation for health conditions impacting young Australian children, we are reaching out to provide you with resource materials to help you communicate with stakeholders about COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable children and the general steps everyone, including children who are not eligible for a vaccine, can take to protect themselves from viral infections.

Please see attached the materials for your use:

• Teeny Tiny Stevies Childhood Immunisation Community Kit
• 6 months to under 5 years old Vaccine Eligibility flyer
• How to Speak to Kids About COVID-19 Vaccines fact sheet

For more information please see visit the Department of Health website.

Vaccination sites for children can be found on the Vaccine Clinic Finder with bookings now open.