COVID-19 vaccination for children

Find an appointment

Find and book an appointment for your child's COVID-19 vaccination using the healthdirect Service Finder.

For help to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. Free in-language assistance is available (menu option 8).

Or, you can SMS ‘Hey EVA’ to the Easy Vaccine Access (EVA) call back service on 0481 611 382 from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week and be supported to book your vaccination appointment. Free in-language assistance is available.

Find answers to questions about your child’s vaccination appointment.

Vaccination recommendations for children aged 5 years and older

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all children aged 5 years and older to protect them against severe illness from COVID-19.

If you're a parent or carer with children aged 5 and older, watch this video about getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19. Select your language before viewing the video.

Vaccination recommendations for children aged 6 months to under 5 years

Vaccination is only recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, have disability or complex health needs.

Parents of children aged 6 months to under 5 years in these categories should speak with their child’s doctor or healthcare professional and, if COVID-19 vaccination is recommended, have their child vaccinated as soon as possible.

Read detailed advice from the Australian Government about COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 6 months to under 5 years.

COVID-19 vaccines and doses for children

The type of vaccine, number of doses, timing between doses and whether a vaccine booster dose is recommended will depend on the age of the child and whether they are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Parents should speak to their child’s doctor or vaccination provider about COVID-19 vaccinations for their child. Further information is also available from the Australian Government about COVID-19 vaccines for children.

If your child has already had COVID-19

Children who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection are recommended to wait 6 months after their COVID-19 infection and then get vaccinated.

It is possible to catch COVID-19 more than once, so it is recommended that children who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection should still be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Speak to your child’s doctor or vaccination provider to determine when your child should receive their vaccination after a confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Talking to children about COVID-19 vaccination

Parents and carers are encouraged to talk to children about what to expect when they get vaccinated.

This video has been developed to help children understand why getting a COVID-19 vaccination can help to keep them healthy, and to help reduce their fear that getting vaccinated will be painful.

COVID-19 vaccination for your child
Read transcript

Video transcript

A virus is something that can make people sick. By being brave, we can help defeat a virus, you probably know, it's a virus called COVID-19. To try to stop people from catching and getting sick from COVID-19, we've all had to make some changes. We wash our hands more, wear a mask, and we stay home if we're not feeling well. Now there's a way to help stop people getting sick from COVID-19. It's called a vaccine. You've probably had a few before for things like chickenpox. A vaccine is a medicine that helps protect you and the people you love from viruses. It helps teach your body how to fight the virus, so you don't get sick. Just like a superpower. Getting a vaccine, it's super quick. Some kids say they don't feel it. Some say it's like a little sting. And some say it hurts a bit. Tell your nurse or doctor how it felt for you. If you want to you can sit on a grownup's lap to get your vaccine and have a hug. Or you can even watch a favourite song or show. It's okay to feel a bit worried. That will be over before you know it. And then you'll feel super brave for helping protect everyone from COVID-19. Let's do this.

For a video in your language, the Australian Government have developed a short video for kids aged 5 to 11 that explains what COVID-19 is and what to expect when getting a vaccine.

Consent

Consent is required from a parent or guardian for a child to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. This consent will need to be provided at booking and at the vaccination appointment.

If a parent or guardian is unable to attend the vaccination appointment, a nominated accompanying adult can be identified during the booking process.

See Consent for COVID-19 Vaccination for further information.

Questions and further information

If you are concerned about vaccination and the potential effect on your child’s existing health conditions, speak to their doctor.

If you have questions or need further information about COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines:

call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
visit COVID-19 vaccines