Vaccination Update

Vaccination of adolescents aged 12-15 years

From Monday 9 August, eligible adolescents aged 12-15 years can receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

This change has been implemented following recommendation from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) that people aged 12-15 years be prioritised for vaccination with Pfizer. ATAGI has also reviewed available evidence on specific medical conditions in children that have been identified to be associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19.

The following groups of children aged 12–15 years can now receive a priority vaccination using the Pfizer vaccine:

• children with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 (including but not limited to severe asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiac and circulatory congenital anomalies, neuro developmental disorders, epilepsy, immuno-compromised and trisomy 21)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 12–15 years
• all children aged 12–15 years in remote communities, as part of broader community outreach vaccination programs that provide vaccines for all ages (≥12 years).

Young people aged 12-15 years receiving COVID-19 vaccination at state vaccination centres will book through the normal booking process (online portal or call centre). They must attend a vaccination centre with a parent or guardian or other person with parental responsibility for the child who will give consent and accompany them

during the vaccination process.

As well as meeting the usual eligibility requirements as a person with an underlying medical condition or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, proof of age must also be provided to ensure the young person is at least 12 years old. For example, a school ID card, birth certificate, passport, doctors letter with date of birth or

other proof of age.

Recommendations for all other young people aged 12-15 years will be made in updated advice in the coming months.

If a child in your care is eligible, you can make a booking the following ways*:

• Via your GP
• Or at our dedicated Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic (South Barwon Civic Centre, 1-17 Reynolds Road, Belmont). Clinic hours Wed and Fri 3.30pm-5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am-12.00pm. No walk-ins. Make a booking by clicking here or call 4215 4444
• At our Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane by calling 1800 675 398 or book online by clicking here. No walk-ins

* If you child has a complex disability and requires additional support please contact the Disability Liaison Unit (0434 856 014) after making your booking to discuss ways to assist.