PHARMACISTS will not be administering COVID-19 vaccine (COVAX) booster shots to adolescents in the coming weeks, with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommending against rolling out top-up shots for 12 to 15-year-olds.
The advice came after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval for Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine to be used as a booster for adolescents (PD 11 Apr).
"ATAGI has reviewed evidence on the benefits and risks of a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents in Australia aged 12-15 years," ATAGI said.
"Current data suggests that COVID-related serious illness is very rare in adolescents aged 12-15, particularly after completion of a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination.
"At this time, ATAGI does not recommend that adolescents aged 12-15 years need to receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to review international evidence on efficacy of a booster in this age group.
"ATAGI will continue to review and consider new evidence on the benefits and risks of any additional doses in 12-15 year olds, including for those with underlying medical conditions."
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