Should my 5-11 year old have their 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

Transcript of Should my 5-11 year old have their 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

Should my 5 to 11 year old have their second dose of COVID vaccine?

And that's a great question.

If it's been 8 weeks or longer after your child's first dose of COVID vaccine, they are now more vulnerable to COVID infection. That's because the immunity or protection against COVID wanes over time. And the same is true if they've had natural COVID infection, the protection also reduces over time.

Whilst 2 doses of a COVID vaccine does not guarantee against infection, it does make it less likely that your child will experience serious illness or transmit the virus to others.

And the COVID vaccine is safe. Our Aus Vax Safety Data surveillance tells us that about a quarter of of children experience some side effects. The most common side effects are local reactions, like a sore arm or redness, headache and fatigue. But less than 1% of children need to see their doctor for side effects.

So to stay COVID safe this winter your child needs their second dose of COVID vaccine so that they can keep enjoying face to face learning, playtime and sport.