The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine as the first booster for people aged 16 and 17 years old.
The decision follows the approval granted by the TGA for use of Pfizer as a booster in individuals 18 years and older on 26 October, 2021.
The advice from the TGA is the first step of a two-stage process, with further advice including the timeframe that a booster should be administered after the second dose to be provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
ATAGI is expected to approve the vaccine over the coming week.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said once the ATAGI approves the vaccine, it will be made available immediately.
“A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, helping prevent the virus from spreading and new variants from emerging,” Mr Hunt said.
“The provision of booster doses for sixteen and seventeen year olds will provide further protection and peace of mind for children and their parents.”
The TGA will continue to monitor ongoing trials associated with booster doses for younger children.
Provisional approval of this vaccine is valid for two years and means it can now be legally supplied in Australia.
The decision to provisionally approve the vaccine was also informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines (ACV), an independent committee with expertise in scientific, medical and clinical fields including consumer representation.
Over 7.1 million Australians have already received a booster dose over recent weeks.
All Australians who are eligible for their booster dose have been urged to make a booking to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
To book a booster shot, visit covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
