Moderna Australia has announced that it removed a paediatric vaccine from Australia due to stock shortages. In response to the decision, the company stated that it is currently focused on providing booster vaccines for individuals aged 12 and older, in line with the guidelines set by the Australian regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Moderna also emphasized that their vaccine formula is still readily available in Australia.
The removal of Moderna’s paediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children under five in Australia follows the decision of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). ATAGI no longer recommends COVID-19 vaccines for individuals under five, unless they have specific medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for severe COVID-19.
ATAGI clarified that children without the specified medical conditions have a low likelihood of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19. They also noted that this age group has a relatively low rate of paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS-TS) associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, a clinical trial revealed that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine provided only modest protection against infection in children aged six months to five years and reported vaccine-related adverse events.
In light of these factors, ATAGI decided to change its advice regarding COVID-19 booster shots. The health authority now recommends that children and adolescents under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19 should not receive a booster shot.