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Monday, November 25, 2024

At-risk children under five can get COVID-19 vaccination

At-risk children aged between six months and five years will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations at the ACT Government’s Weston Creek vaccination clinic from Monday 5 September.

The opening of appointments today follows updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation that the Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine be made available for children aged from six months to under five years of age who are severely immunocompromised, disabled, or have complex or multiple health conditions.

Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, said an estimated 1,300 ACT children in this age group are now eligible for the vaccine.

“These children are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, so getting them vaccinated is an important protection.

“We encourage any parent or guardian with concerns about the vaccine or questions about eligibility to contact their GP or other health specialist for further advice,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Eligible babies and children need two doses, eight weeks apart. Severely immunocompromised children will require three doses, eight weeks apart.

Parents and guardians can now book their child in to the ACT Government clinic by calling the ACT COVID-19 booking line on 02 5124 3999 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Bookings will also be available at some ACT General Practices. Bookings at participating GPs can be made using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.

The Weston Creek vaccination clinic is in the same location as the Access and Sensory COVID-19 vaccination clinic, at 24 Parkinson Street, Weston.

The clinic will have the same facilities available to make appointments comfortable for babies and children, including separate vaccination rooms, dimmable lighting, and an accessible entry point.

For more information, visit the ACT COVID-19 vaccine website.

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