COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years old

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for children aged 5 to 11.

Last updated: 16 May 2022

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Who is eligible?

All children aged 5 to 11 are eligible for vaccination.

Some children have an increased risk from COVID-19. This includes:

children aged 5 to 11 years with underlying conditions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
children living in crowded conditions or outbreak areas.

Children aged 5 to 11 years who have previously had COVID-19 can receive the vaccine once they have recovered from their illness. ATAGI recommends waiting 3 months since a confirmed COVID-19 infection before receiving your next recommended dose as soon as possible.

Book an appointment

Find a NSW Health Vaccination Clinic

Book now through the vaccine clinic finder

You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 for assistance.

A free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450 is also available.

Support telephone lines

NSW Health Vaccination Support Line 1800 57 11 55

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450

Consent

For people aged 5 to 11, consent is required from a parent or guardian at booking and at the appointment.

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

See the Consent for COVID-19 Vaccination for further information.

About vaccination for children

Vaccination against COVID-19 is now recommended for children aged 5 to 11 years.

The Department of Education also strongly recommends that all eligible students (and their families) who are 5 years and older get vaccinated.

Evidence shows vaccination offers excellent protection against COVID-19 in children. Even though COVID-19 in children is often milder than in adults, there’s strong evidence to support vaccinating children.

Vaccines give the immune system a helping hand to protect against serious illness and possible long-term effects from COVID-19.

The Pfizer (Comirnaty) children’s vaccine is approved for children aged 5 to 11 years. The dose is around 1/3 of the dose for people aged 12 years and older.

The Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine is approved for use in children aged 6 to 11. The dose is around ½ of the dose for people aged 12 years and older.

For both vaccines, children will receive 2 doses of the vaccine, given 8 weeks apart.

Parents are encouraged to get their child vaccinated as soon as possible. Talk to your GP if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination for your child.

COVID-19 vaccination for your child video

COVID-19 vaccination for your child

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.