Live Breaking News: Moderna vaccine could be approved for under-18s within weeks

Aussies under the age of 18 could get the jab sooner than hoped, with a promising announcement expected within weeks, the head of the TGA has revealed.

The Moderna vaccine could be approved for under 18-year-olds by the time it lands on Australian shores, the head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has said.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced yesterday that the vaccine had been provisionally approved in Australia, with first doses in arms in the second half of September.

Speaking to ABC Melbourne's Drive program this afternoon, Professor John Skerritt said "Moderna has its application in front of us for under-18s".

"Over the next three to four weeks, I'd say maximum – it depends on Moderna's response – we expect to make a decision," he said.

"The Moderna data also looks pretty good for the under-18s, but we've obviously got to go to our committee of experts and then back to the company.

"Barring big problems, I'm expecting that by the time Moderna lands in Australia, it may also be approved for under-18s, but I shouldn't pre-empt that decision."

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