Covid vaccines for children: how many doses are needed and what happens if they’ve been infected or are under five?

Making sure adults and older children are vaccinated, as well as mask wearing and social distancing, is the best thing to do if worried about under-fives not being eligible, expert says

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Children under the age of five are not yet able to be vaccinated against Covid leaving some parents worried their younger children could catch the virus from older siblings who have returned to school.

Less than 50% of children aged five to 11 have received their first vaccine dose. But it is hoped child vaccination rates will be bolstered by Australia becoming the first country to approve the Moderna vaccine for children aged six and over. Pfizer continues to be available to children aged five and over.