Children in Queensland aged five to 11-years-old will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from January 10 next year, the government has announced.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palasczuk said the new allowances would take effect in time for the 2022 school term, urging parents to book their kids in for the jab ahead of time.
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"I know there are a lot of parents and carers in Queensland who are keen to get their children protected against this virus and that's understandable," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"The vaccination rollout has happened in a staged approach and from 10 January is available for kids aged 5 to 11."
She urged parents to book their children's vaccinations now, to ensure families who wish to get their kids vaccinated can do so before school starts January 24.
"That's two weeks for kids to get their first shot and acquire a layer of protection before the school year begins," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"We've seen an excellent uptake in vaccination from children aged 12 to 15 and we expect a similarly positive response from parents of younger kids."
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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the vaccine for this age group earlier this month.
Children aged five to 11 will receive two doses of the vaccine, eight weeks apart.
Vaccines will be available through government run clinics, pharmacies and GPS, as well as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
"We're witnessing how important the vaccine is. Despite the number of cases, there are very few patients ill enough to be in intensive care," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"We want every Queenslander protected."
