Roll Up Your Sleeves ‘Cos the Government Is Making the COVID Jab Available to Teens

Teens can get jabbed from 13 September.

From 13 September, teens in Australia aged 12-years-and-older will be allowed to get their COVID-19 vaccination.

This news comes off the back of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) giving the go-ahead for the Pfizer vax to be available for teens.

#BREAKING ATAGI has recommended all Australian children aged 12 to 15 receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/uMovGLVwOU

— Clare Armstrong (@ByClare) August 27, 2021

Along with Pfizer, the health minister Greg Hunt expects the Moderna jab to be made available to young Aussies in the coming weeks, as the government continues to accelerate the nation’s vaccination program.

“This fortnight, we’re expecting to get advice from the TGA on Moderna for 12 to 17-year-olds,” Hunt said in an interview with Sky News.

“I’m hopeful that will be added which will give a second vaccine.”

Along with the health minister and the TGA, the Australian Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)—who the government consults regarding the vaccine—recommended that 12 to 15-year-olds be added to the country’s vaccination program ASAP.

Chief Medical Officer of ATAGI Paul Kelly said that they weighed up the risks and benefits Pfizer has on young people and ruled in favour of the jab.

“The question might come, why this has not been announced earlier? I think it has been very important that ATAGI has looked at that risk and benefits analysis of vaccination,” Kelly said.

“There have been some concerns about side-effects in younger people for mRNA vaccines, particularly related to myocarditis and pericarditis, so the heart muscle and the surrounds of the heart muscle can get some inflammation.”

Despite flagging these concerns, Professor Kelly said they ultimately ruled in favour of the jab for teens.

“ATAGI has done their due diligence in relation to that and have made that decision as they always do, looking at risk and benefit, and has fallen on the side of benefit.”

Where can I get vaccinated?

For teens, ATAGI has recommended a combo of different options to get them jabbed, including school-based programs, mass vaccination hubs and through their GP or pharmacist.

However, if you’re in high school and were considering waiting for a school-based program, Mr. Hunt advised against that.

“Do no wait for a school program,” the health minister said.

“If you can have your child vaccinated, get them vaccinated.”

To see if you're eligible for the COVID vaccine, check out this link here. If you have concerns about getting the COVID vaccine, see a GP to discuss the best option for you.

Header Image: Steven Cornfield via Unsplash