NIHRACS COVID VACCINATION UPDATE

ATAGI RECOMMENDATIONS ON PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE USE IN CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 11 YEARS

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years.

 A new formulation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) has been provisionally approved for use in children aged 5-11 years by the TGA

 This approval is based on the results of a recent clinical trial demonstrating that the vaccine is highly effective and that most side effects are mild and transient

 ATAGI recommends vaccination with the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 5 to 11 years

 The recommended dose for this age group is a third of the recommended dose for people aged ≥12 years, given 8 weeks apart

Staff at Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) are working closely with the Australian Government to secure the new paediatric formulation COVID-19 vaccination.

Dr Sam Jones, a local General Practitioner will be conducting an interactive information night for all parents and children to address any questions and concerns. NIHRACS will provide further information when available.

Further information on the ATAGI recommendations on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 5 to 11 years can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/reso...

ATAGI STATEMENT ON THE OMICRON VARIANT AND TIMING OF COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATION

The COVID-19 vaccines used are critical in protecting against COVID-19 due to all variants, including the newly emerged Omicron variant.

 The COVID-19 booster dose is recommended for everyone 18 years and over, to be given ≥ 5 months following completion of the primary course

 The highest priority groups to receive a booster dose are those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and/or those at increased occupational risk of COVID-19

NIHRACS has commenced booster clinics and will be contacting eligible residents to arrange a booking