Should We Lift COVID Public Health Measures Before Vaccinating Children?

Australia is among the most vaccinated countries in the world with over 86% of Australians aged over 16 have received two doses, and 75% of adolescents have had their first dose. However, children under 16 are missing from the picture.

Vaccinations for children are not currently approved in Australia, although they heave been approved overseas. With many NSW cases stemming from schools, some are questioning the tactic to remove public health measures before addressing this issue. While adults are much more likely to succumb to severe illness, childhood COVID infections can sometimes be fatal. With 3.8 million children in Australia, there is concern that the virus may hospitalise up to 22,000 children after restrictions are removed if nothing is done to push the infant vaccine program.

While vaccination against COVID does not prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of symptoms and may be part of a comprehensive plan to keep children safe into the future. Some experts are suggesting that Australia follow in the footsteps of Canada, initiating a program of childhood vaccination to cover a greater portion of the population.