Highlights:
- About 70,000 children under five can access COVID-19 vaccines from 5 September
- New studies show Wuhan in China was the epicentre of coronavirus
- TGA extends expiry date of antiviral drug Paxlovid from 12 to 18 months
Australia has approved Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for a selective group of children aged six months to five years.
Health Minister Mark Butler said about 70,000 children with severe immunocompromise, disability, and complex and multiple health conditions can access the vaccine from 5 September.
Mr Butler said two doses of the vaccine can be administered eight weeks apart. Some children might be eligible for a third dose.
"ATAGI is not currently recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are not at increased risk. ATAGI will continue to monitor the evidence in relation to the benefit of vaccination in this age group," Mr Butler said.
He said they have secured 500,000 paediatric doses, and initial supplies will arrive in the country later this week.
The vaccine will be administered through state and territory hospitals. The government also plans to administer vaccines through general practitioners.
He said bookings will open later this month, and parents are asked not to contact vaccination providers at this time.
The US, Canada and some Asian countries have already approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children under five.
On Wednesday, Australia reported at least 66 COVID-19 deaths, including 39 in New South Wales (NSW) and six each in Queensland and Victoria.
The TGA has extended the expiry date of the antiviral drug Paxlovid from 12 months to 18 months, provided it was stored below 25 degrees Celsius.
The first batch of Paxlovid had an August expiry date.
Two peer-reviewed published inconcluded that the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China was the coronavirus epicentre.
The authors noted that the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 occurred via the live wildlife trade in China.
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