Pfizer booster for teens 'makes sense', expert says
An infectious disease expert has applauded the Therapeutic Goods Administration's decision this morning to provisionally approve Pfizer booster shots for teens aged 16 and 17.
The TGA made the announcement this morning, noting Pfizer was an approved booster for people of that age in the US, UK and Israel.
As with adults, the Pfizer jab can be used as a booster following a two-dose course of any other approved vaccine.
LIVE UPDATES: Pfizer booster shot for children aged 16 and 17 gets green light
The Pfizer vaccine has now been approved for a booster shot for 16- to 17-year-olds. AP
"I think it makes sense," Professor Sanjaya Senanayake from the Australian National University told Today.
"We know that in terms of Omicron, in terms of getting disease and protection from hospitalisation, a booster dose does make a difference."
He said that in the US, teens aged 12 to 15 could also now receive a Pfizer boost.
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The TGA said it was continuing to monitor overseas data on the question of boosters for younger people.
Immunisation advisory body ATAGI will now consider how best to administer booster doses to 16- and 17-year-olds, including how long they should wait after their second jab.
ATAGI is also currently considering whether to include the booster shot in a standard vaccination regimen.
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It could mean people would not be considered fully vaccinated until they had received three jabs.
Premier Daniel Andrews is backing the change, which would likely need to be endorsed by National Cabinet if ATAGI approves it.
Professor Senanayake said whatever the decision, the messaging needed to be "clear and consistent".
Premier Daniel Andrews hopes National Cabinet will decide to change the definition of "fully vaccinated" to mean three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Nine
"With the data that we have, we know that three doses is fully vaccinated with Omicron and we should embrace that," he said.
"Also if you want to travel to other parts of the world, there is a number of countries in Europe and the Middle East where we have to have it."
He said if the booster wasn't turned into a routine third jab, it was unlikely the "wonderfully rapid" take-up of vaccines seen across the country last year would be matched.
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