Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for children aged 12 to 15

Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed the approval of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for children aged 12 to 15.

Mr Hunt told Today vaccination body ATAGI is also assessing it, first for immuno-compromised children and then for the wider population.

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"Over the course of the period between now and mid-to-late August they will be assessing international data on 12 to 15-year-olds and we are quietly hopeful that will be a positive decision for the whole of population in which case we would then ensure that there's rollout during the course of 2021 through a combination of schools and general access," Mr Hunt told Today.

However, with the majority of adults in Australia yet to receive the jab and the government's immunisation advisory panel yet to determine how children will be included in the rollout and who should be prioritised, it will be some time yet before 12-15-year-olds receive the jab.

Mr Hunt was questioned over commentary from health experts who said children shouldn't be given the jab yet.

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He said other nations are already immunising children.

"With great respect, the United States is currently vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds," the health minister said.

"We have followed the medical processes throughout so that is why first step Therapeutic Goods Administration, that's a green light, second step, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, they are expected to make a consideration and the indication from them is that they are positively disposed to the immuno-compromised kids having early access."