The TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds. 

The TGA’s provisional approval of the Pfizer paediatric vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds was based on an evaluation of available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group. 

The paediatric vaccine dose approved by the TGA for children aged 5 to 11 is one-third of the size approved for people aged 12 and over.  

The TGA has approved a two-dose primary course of vaccination for 5 to 11 year olds. 

The Australian Government expects the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to provide recommendations on a vaccination program for 5 to 11-year-olds soon.  

Subject to ATAGI advice, it is expected a vaccination program for 5 to 11 year olds will commence from 10 January 2022.  

Before the announcement, experts had questioned the need to vaccinate those aged under 12, as COVID-19 remains a generally mild disease in children.