Pfizer has been granted provisional approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to use its COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in children aged five to 11 years old.

The decision was made by the TGA yesterday and is the first stage of a two-step approval process.

The Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is still to provide its advice on whether the vaccine should be used as a booster for children aged 5 to 11 years as part of Australia's vaccination program.

"As with all COVID-19 vaccines, the Government's decision on the use of this vaccine as a booster in this age group will be informed by advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)," the Department of Health said in a statement.

Currently, only around one in two Australian children aged 5 to 11 years have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Just over 40 per cent of children have received their second dose.

"Today's provisional approval means parents can now access a booster dose for their primary school aged children," Dr Krishan Thiru, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand's Medical Director, said.

"It also serves as a timely reminder to parents to ensure their children are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations."

Source: https://www.9news.com.au