Moderna jabs for children 12-16 available at chemists within two weeks

A million Moderna jabs will be rolled out in pharmacies within two weeks, with children as young as 12 able to book their vaccination from Monday.

A million new Moderna doses are coming from Europe and will be rolled out from pharmacies within two weeks.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the boost as Australia’s medical advisory group green-lit Moderna for use in children aged 12 to 17, who will be able to book their jabs from Monday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a million extra Moderna doses will arrive in Australia soon. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Secured from surplus stock destined for Spain, Denmark, Czech Republic, Portugal and Bulgaria, the jabs bring to 11 million the number of Pfizer and Moderna doses available in September.

“Families will now be able to go along together to their pharmacy to get their vaccinations,” Mr Morrison said.

“This additional supply also enables us to direct urgent supplies where they are needed most, and make up the final ground for everyone in Australia to be offered a jab, originally set back in January for in October.

“In October we’re going to have enough vaccines in the country to have offered ­everyone a jab, meaning we’ll be able to take the next steps in our plan to safely reopen Australia.”

The Morrison government has drawn heated criticism for Australia’s slow vaccine rollout, and has recently announced 4 million extra Pfizer doses from the UK, a million from Poland and 500,000 from Singapore.

Authorities are determining the final allocation of the new Moderna doses, but it is understood they will be used to “make up the balance” to states that had vaccines sent to NSW when Delta first hit.

These include Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

The boost comes as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended Moderna for everyone 12 years and older, a week after the Therapeutic Goods Association gave conditional approval.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said 1800 local community pharmacies would begin to ­receive Moderna doses within a fortnight and a further 1800 would receive them shortly after.

“These doses are adding ­additional capacity and will further ramp up the vaccination rate of young Australians,” Mr Hunt said.

“Australia’s vaccine rollout is continuing to hit record ­levels every day.”

The Moderna vaccine has been approved for use in children as young as 12 in Australia. Picture: AFP

The new vaccines will be ­required to undergo standard TGA clearance when they ­arrive later this week.

Pharmacies across Australia said they were ready to step up further in the battle to boost the vaccination rate, after ­already having administered 500,000 AstraZeneca jabs.

“Community pharmacies have kept their doors open during bushfires, floods and a once-in-a-generation global pandemic,” Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey said.

“Community pharmacies are now stepping up to vaccinate Australian families against Covid-19.

“I encourage all Australians to visit their local community pharmacy and roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated.”

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