Covid-19 booster shots for teens set to be fast-tracked to allow safe school return

The national medicines regulator is set to fast-track a new application for Pfizer booster shots for 16 to 17-year-olds.

The national medicines regulator is expected to fast-track a new application for Pfizer booster shots for 16 to 17-year-olds in a bid to provide better protection for teenagers returning to school in the coming weeks.

Many Australian teenagers who were vaccinated soon after becoming eligible on August 30 last year and who received a second dose three to six weeks later will be heading back to the classroom with substantially weakened immunity by the time schools return later this month and in early February.

Although most experts believe the Omicron variant is no more dangerous to children than previous strains, the sheer number of cases has increased the level of paediatric patients hospitalised, in Australia and around the world.

The move by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Adminis­tration to speed the approval process follows a decision last week by the US Food and Drug Adminis­tration to approve the booster for 12 to 15-year-olds, with boosters ­already recommended in the US for those aged 16 and over.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended boosters for adolescents aged 12 to 17, as the country last week set a record for total paediatric patients hospitalised with Covid.

CDC director Rochelle Walensky encouraged parents to get the booster for their teenagers. “It is critical we protect our children and teens from Covid-19 infection and complications of severe disease; this booster dose will provide optimised protection against Covid-19 and the Omicron variant,” Dr Walensky said.

A Pfizer booster is also now recommended in Britain for 16 to 17-year-olds, three months after their second jab.

The TGA says it is “currently evaluating data” on the booster for Australian 16 to 17-year-olds, with its advisory committee on vaccines next due to convene on February 2.

The TGA is concerned primarily with efficacy and safety.

If it approves the booster, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation would then recommend whether, on all available evidence, boosters were required in those under 18 years and how often they should be administered.

Concerned parents have taken to social media to voice concern their children are being left exposed, despite many starting Pfizer vaccinations at the same time as some adults last year. “My 17-year-old received her second dose on 17 September … by the time she starts attending classes at uni with over 18s, she will be almost 6 months post her second dose,” wrote one mother.

Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett says it is the right time to give booster shots to teenagers.

Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett welcomed the TGA’s move to consider the application.

“This is the due time now for the 16 to 17-year-olds – the ones that got in very quickly would be ready for a booster at that four-month mark so I think that’s why it is critical they look at this straightaway.

“And it’s for those who will be in their final school years when they really least want disruption.

“As we’re seeing so many breakthrough infections in younger people, and we still don’t understand Long Covid and other risks, even if the disease generally is reasonably mild, if boosters reduce your risk by 50 per cent and that’s true in this younger age group as well, then I think people have the right to choose that.

“A lot of younger people now know someone who’s had it, so they understand the disease better, and if the TGA approves it, they’ll be able to make quite informed choices as well.”

While many parents are keen to see teenagers receive the boost, some health administrators are concerned an approval too soon may hamper a rollout already stretched by staff short­ages and increased numbers of adults seeking boosters following the reduction of the interval between jabs.

The rollout is under further pressure after vaccinations for five to 11-year-olds began last week, although those children receive a lower dose in a different vial; while the program adds to logistic issues, it doesn’t compete for supplies.

About 1.2 million Australian children between 12 and 15 became eligible for a Pfizer vaccine from September 13 as ATAGI judged the benefits outweighed potential risks.