Under the plan agreed to by national cabinet, Australia will begin a phased reopening once 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.
“The national plan we have developed and agreed is our pathway to living with this virus,” the Prime Minister said on Monday.
“That is our goal, to live with this virus, not to live in fear of it. It is a plan based on the best possible scientific, medical and economic advice.”
But the targets do not include children in the figure, raising concerns kids could be left behind as the country reopens.
Currently, children under the age of 15 are not eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Last month, the national medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, approved the use of Pfizer in the 12-16 age group.
Australia’s expert panel on vaccinations, ATAGI, is currently reviewing if the vaccine rollout should be expanded to include children aged 12-15 years.
Children under the age of 12 are unable to receive a Covid-19 jab. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye GerardSource:News Corp Australia
The Prime Minister on Monday was asked how children who are unable to be vaccinated could be protected.
“What about the children who haven't had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Aren't they then being exposed to the risk of catching Covid? What are the long-term health effects on them?” he was asked.
Mr Morrison said the government would work swiftly to vaccinate children when supply was available.
“We will expect to see a more detailed plan by the end of this week... about mobilising that vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds,” he said.
“Last week we discussed it. Everybody of the same view, start it as soon as you can and certainly get it done as soon as you can as well.
“And, so, whether that means school based vaccination programs, family based vaccinations, all of these things are being worked through right now so we can roll that out.”
More than 200 NSW children aged nine and under were diagnosed with Covid-19 at the weekend. Of the 494 active cases in Victoria, 112 cases are children aged 10 and under and 100 are aged between 10 and 19.
But on whether children under 12 could get inoculated anytime soon, Mr Morrison indicated it was unlikely.
Scott Morrison says the nation must focus on reopening, not cases. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary RamageSource:News Corp Australia
“There is no country in the world, the chiefmedical officer advised me this morning, who right now is vaccinating children under the age of 12,” he said.
“There are a range of issues that are being worked through, there are a range of trials that we understand that are being undertaken.
“The best protection for your children is for you to get vaccinated … So, I would encourage Australians to do that.”
Children aged 12 to 15 who are Indigenous or have an underlying health condition have been eligible for the vaccine since August 9.
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Monday announced children in the age group who are also on the NDIS would be able to book a vaccine from Wednesday.
ATAGI is expected to hand down it’s advice later this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian GillesSource:News Corp Australia
Australia’s vaccine rollout plan, Operation Covid Shield, indicates an in-school vaccination program could begin in the latter half of the year, but it is dependent on supply.
France, Italy and the Netherlands have all begun administering the vaccine to children over the age of 12.
Pfizer and Moderna are conducting trials of their vaccines on children as young as six months old.