Paediatric vaccine available

A paediatric Moderna vaccine is now available for eligible children aged six months and under five years, who can get very sick from contracting COVID-19.

Eligible children can receive two doses of the vaccine eight weeks apart.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)’s recommendations published on 3 August this year endorsed a paediatric Modern vaccine for children in this age group who are severely immunocompromised, disabled, or have multiple health conditions such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, chronic neurological/neuromuscular conditions, and severe cerebral palsy.

Two primary doses are recommended, except for those with severe immune compromise who require three primary doses.

Bookings can be made via the vaccine clinic finder for participating GPs across Victoria.  Specialist vaccination clinics are set up at Royal Children’s Hospital, Monash Health, and Western Health.

Call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398 to make a booking at these clinics.

For the vaccine clinic finder, visit covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/. For more information on getting vaccinated against COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-vaccinated.