COVID-19 vaccination (ages 5–11)

Deciding about COVID-19 vaccination for a primary-school-aged child raises understandable questions for parents — about whether it’s recommended, which vaccine is used, and where it can be given. Where state and territory rules allow pharmacists to vaccinate this age group, a community pharmacy can be a convenient and familiar place to have it done. This page sets out how COVID-19 vaccination works for children aged 5–11 in Australia.

What is it, and is it recommended for my child?

The COVID-19 vaccines used for children aged 5–11 are paediatric formulations — specially prepared with a smaller dose suited to this age group — designed to protect against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. As with adults, the main benefit is reducing the risk of severe illness.

Whether a vaccine or booster is recommended for a particular child depends on the current ATAGI advice, which is guided especially by whether the child has a medical condition that raises their risk of severe COVID-19. Recommendations for healthy children in this age band differ from those for children with significant health conditions, and they have changed over time as the situation has evolved. The most reliable guidance is the current official advice, which your pharmacist and GP follow — so the practical question is what’s recommended for your child right now.

The pharmacist (or your GP) can talk through what’s advised for your child’s age and health, and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.

Who can give it, and where

A key point for this age group is that there are minimum-age rules for pharmacist immunisers, and these are set by each state and territory. In some jurisdictions a trained pharmacist may vaccinate children from age 5; in others the minimum age is higher, which means a child in the 5–11 band may need to be vaccinated at a GP, a community health service or another provider rather than a pharmacy. This is exactly why availability varies depending on where you live, and why it’s worth checking locally.

Pharmacies that do offer it will confirm your child is within the age they’re permitted to vaccinate, and will conduct a pre-vaccination check covering your child’s age, health conditions, immune status, previous COVID-19 vaccines and any reactions, recent infection (which affects timing), other vaccines and allergies. Children with complex medical conditions or a history of a serious vaccine reaction may be referred to a GP or specialist immunisation service.

How it works at the pharmacy

Most pharmacies offering childhood vaccination prefer a booking. After the pre-vaccination check, the pharmacist gives the paediatric vaccine — usually into the upper arm — using techniques suited to children, and asks you and your child to wait nearby for around 15 minutes afterwards so they can make sure your child is well. The dose is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, so it appears on your child’s immunisation history.

COVID-19 vaccines, including the children’s formulations, are free under the national program for everyone recommended to have them. Bring your child’s Medicare card and any immunisation records. A parent or guardian’s consent is required, and the pharmacist will discuss the decision with you. Because eligibility, the brand used and pharmacist age rules can all change, confirm the details when you book.

Safety and what to expect

The paediatric COVID-19 vaccines have been studied and used in this age group and are monitored closely for safety. Side effects in children are usually mild and short-lived — a sore arm, tiredness, headache, or a mild fever for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare, and pharmacist immunisers are trained and equipped to manage them, which is the reason for the short wait afterwards.

Seek medical advice if your child has side effects that are severe or don’t settle, and urgent care for any rare signs of a serious allergic reaction shortly after vaccination (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, feeling faint). If you’re weighing up the decision, your pharmacist or GP can help you talk it through.

How it’s regulated in Australia

The children’s COVID-19 vaccines are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, recommended through ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook, and funded under the national program. Pharmacist immunisers administer them under state and territory rules — which, crucially for this age group, set the minimum age a pharmacist may vaccinate — complete accredited immunisation training, record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register, and are registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Official sources

• Healthdirect: COVID-19
• Department of Health: COVID-19 vaccines
• Australian Immunisation Register (Services Australia)

Because pharmacist age rules and eligibility vary by state, confirm when you book. Use the button below to find a pharmacy listing COVID-19 vaccination for children near you.