Next week, thousands more Canberra adolescents will be able to get vaccinated – part of the ACT Government’s plan to vaccinate everybody 12 and older against COVID-19.
From Monday 20 September, all Canberra children aged 12 to 15 years can book a Pfizer vaccination appointment at an ACT Government clinic.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated as quickly as possible. While they have a lower risk of severe disease, the current outbreak has shown that the Delta variant can spread through school children.
“Getting our children vaccinated protects them, their families, and the whole community,” she said.
There are about 25,000 12- to 15-year-old children in the ACT. Making them eligible to book a vaccination would get more Canberrans vaccinated faster and help the ACT reach its vaccination targets faster, Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr recently said that he wants to vaccinate as many Canberrans as possible by the end of the year – “much more” than 80% of the eligible population.
Two vaccines have been approved for 12 to 15-year-olds in Australia. Pfizer is already available from participating GPs. The Therapeutic Goods Administration approved Moderna for 12 to 17-year-olds last week; it will be available from participating pharmacies from 20 September.
Ms Stephen-Smith recommended that Canberrans check with GPs and pharmacies to secure a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination through the Commonwealth’s primary care program.
Only a small number of Pfizer appointments are available at ACT Government mass vaccination clinics before November, and they have not yet received any Moderna vaccine.
“While we hope to release new appointments as increasing vaccine supply allows, the fastest path to getting your children vaccinated may be talking to your trusted health professional,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
For more information on who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and how to book an appointment: www.covid19.act.gov.au/vaccine
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