27 December 2021
Log on and lock in kids' jabs before school year starts
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged parents to book children aged 5 to 11 years old for their COVID-19 vaccinations now so they are protected before school resumes for 2022.
The jab is available for this cohort from 10 January 2022, but the Premier said Queenslanders could log on now to secure an appointment from that date.
"I know there are a lot of parents and carers in Queensland who are keen to get their children protected against this virus and that's understandable," the Premier said.
"The vaccination rollout has happened in a staged approach and from 10 January is available for kids aged 5 to 11.
"But you can book now so that you're ready when that time comes. That's two weeks for kids to get their first shot and acquire a layer of protection before the school year begins.
"We've seen an excellent uptake in vaccination from children aged 12 to 15 and we expect a similarly positive response from parents of younger kids."
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) earlier this month approved the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old.
This age group will receive two doses, eight weeks apart. They can get their vaccinations through Queensland Health and Commonwealth-run clinics, GPs, pharmacies, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
"The virus is here in Queensland and case numbers are climbing," the Premier said.
"We're witnessing how important the vaccine is – despite the number of cases, there are very few patients ill enough to be in intensive care. We want every Queenslander protected."
Parents and carers can log onto the Queensland Government's vaccination booking page to make an appointment for their child.
