Professor Paul Kelly: Why vaccination is a must for us all, including children

We must all – including children – be fully vaccinated if we are to live with Covid-19 without paying a high price, argues Professor Paul Kelly.

Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout enters an important new phase on Monday – with children aged 5 to 11 years becoming eligible.

And in recent weeks, more than three million Australians have had a booster dose to provide them with even greater protection against Covid-19.

These are important developments in our response to the pandemic that will further increase the protection of the Australian community against the virus.

I encourage all parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 to get them vaccinated as soon as possible – for their protection and that of the wider community.

I am also encouraging all Australians who are eligible for their booster dose, and who haven’t yet received it, to make a booking to get it as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison looks on as chief medical officer Paul Kelly gets his Covid-19 vaccination in February, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

As Australia continues to reopen and we return to a more normal way of living, community spread of Covid-19 will increase.

We are now learning to live with Covid-19 while ensuring those most vulnerable to its harms have the greatest protection possible.

We know that two doses of the vaccines that have been administered in Australia are very effective at preventing severe illness and death from Covid-19.

But in the short time the Omicron variant has been around, it has become clear the vaccination equation has changed a little.

The evidence suggests the vaccines are not as effective at preventing transmission of Omicron

compared to earlier variants – particularly if a person has not had a booster dose.

This is why it is so important for people to get their booster as soon as they become eligible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Moderna or Pfizer. They both work well.

If you are not vaccinated, or are eligible for a booster and haven’t yet had it, or have a child aged 5 to 11, don’t delay. Make an appointment today.

— Professor Paul Kelly is the Australian Government’s Chief Medical Officer.