A major change to the national vaccine rollout will help protect one of the country’s most vulnerable groups. Australians aged between 12 and 15 who are part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will soon be able to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. The Commonwealth received the new advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on Monday. Health minister Greg Hunt said the decision would ensure some of the country’s most vulnerable would have access to the vaccination as soon as possible.

“Today’s decision will make a big difference to the lives of children with disability and their families,” he said. “This is an important protection for over 40,000 children with disability and we encourage their parents and carers to book them in for a vaccination and ensure they can be protected against COVID-19.” The NDIS participants joined the existing cohort of children aged 12 to 15 to be prioritised for the Pfizer vaccine, including children with specified medical conditions, Indigenous kids and those living in remote communities. Disability Minister Linda Reynolds welcomed the vaccine announcement.

“I am so pleased ATAGI has now approved this expansion in the vaccine rollout for NDIS participants,” she said. “The COVID-19 vaccine rollout to the disability sector continues to increase at pace and there are now more than 8200 vaccination points available.” Senator Reynolds said more than 123,000 (46 per cent) of NDIS participants over 16 years had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 28 per cent were fully inoculated. The Commonwealth expects more advice soon regarding the use of the Pfizer vaccine for all children aged 12 to 15.

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