TGA checks need for another vax booster

Australia is looking at whether to offer a fourth Covid dose ahead of the flu season and the anticipated next wave of Omicron.

The UK opened up fourth jabs to people over 75 this week, while the Food and Drug Administration in the US also eyes off approving a fourth dose. Picture: AFP

Australia is looking at whether to offer a fourth Covid dose ahead of the flu season and the anticipated next wave of Omicron.

It comes as the UK opened up fourth jabs to people over 75 this week, while the Food and Drug Administration in the US also eyes off approving a fourth dose.

Therapeutic Goods Administration boss Professor John Skerritt said the matter was being “looked at” by Australia following concerns the flu season would collide with another Covid wave.

“Flu and Covid as we move into winter is something that’s being looked at and whether vulnerable populations would require a fourth dose, especially if they were boosted in November or December,” he said.

“There’s a lot of active thinking and planning going on there.”

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly said earlier this month another wave of Omicron was expected in winter.

“I do believe we’ll have another wave of Omicron in winter. I do believe we’ll have a flu wave in 2022,” he said.

About 94 per cent of Australians have had two doses, with 50 per cent of the population boosted so far.

Severely immunocompromised people aged five years and over need to have three doses to be considered fully vaccinated, or up to date.

Fourth doses are already recommended for immunocompromised Australians.

It comes as the Moderna vaccine was cleared for children between six and 11 years old by the TGA.

Australia is the first jurisdiction in the world to clear Moderna for six to 11-year-olds, with other countries expected to soon follow suit.

About 50 per cent of five to 11-year-olds have already come forward for their first dose of Pfizer since early January, putting Australia ahead of the US, UK and Germany in vaccination rates for the age group.

But it’s lagging behind Singapore, Canada and Spain.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the approval of Moderna for six to 11-year-olds would help the rate get higher.

“I’m delighted to be able to announce that we now have a double green line for the Moderna children’s vaccine,” he said.

“It will be able to commence as of tomorrow.

“That will make it very easy for parents. Individual pharmacies or general practices, state clinics, or commonwealth clinics will indicate when they’ve completed their training and they’re ready to commence.”