Parents can now book a COVID-19 vaccination for their 5- to 11-year-old children at an ACT Government vaccination clinic. Appointments are available from 10 January 2022.
Parents can call the COVID-19 vaccination booking line on 02 5124 7700 between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.
Online bookings are not available for children.
Some GPs and pharmacists will also offer COVID-19 vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-olds. A list is available online: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/.
Earlier this month, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), Australia’s leading vaccination advisory group, approved the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to children under 11 from 10 January.
Bookings were open now so the ACT would be ready as soon as the children’s vaccine supply arrives next month, said Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health.
“Many Canberra parents are very keen to get their children vaccinated so they are better protected from the effects of COVID-19,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
If a parent or carer is eligible for their booster, they can make their booking for the same time their child or children are being vaccinated.
There are about 46,000 children aged 5 to 11 in the Territory, the ACT Government estimates.
Children are less likely to suffer the more severe effects of COVID-19, but they can became infected and transmit the virus to others, Ms Stephen-Smith said.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved and recommended as a safe and effective vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds, Ms Stephen-Smith said, but if parents and carers have questions about COVID-19 vaccinations for their children, they should talk to their trusted health professional.
ACT Government vaccination clinics will be closed during Christmas and New Year:
- The AIS Arena clinic will close at 3.30pm, Friday, 24 December, and reopen on Tuesday, 4 January 2022 at 8am.
- The Access and Sensory clinic will close from 3.30pm, Tuesday, 21 December, and reopen on Tuesday, 4 January 2022 at 8.30am.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations in the ACT, visit covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/vaccine.
