Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) has provided approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose for young people aged 16–17 years old in Australia.
The advice from the TGA is the first step of a two-stage process, with further advice, including the timeframe that a booster should be administered after the second dose, to be provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Advice from ATAGI is expected to be provided to government shortly.
We know that two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides very good protection, especially against severe disease.
A booster dose potentially makes sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, helping prevent the virus from spreading and new variants from emerging.
The provision of booster doses for sixteen and seventeen year olds will provide further protection and peace of mind for children and their parents.
Australia was one of the first countries in the world to commence a whole of population COVID-19 booster program. Over 7.1 million Australians have already received a booster dose over recent weeks.
Over 93.1 percent of Australians aged 16 and over have completed their primary course of vaccination.
All Australians who are currently eligible for their primary course of vaccination, or for their booster dose, and who have not yet acted are urged to make a booking as soon as possible to get vaccinated.
The Australian Government has secured more than 151 million booster doses for delivery over the coming year and is well placed to continue to achieve world leading vaccination rates against COVID-19.
To book a booster dose please use the COVID-19 Clinic Finder and make your appointment.