COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years

Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability or other complex health conditions are eligible and encouraged to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (paediatric formulation).

This includes children with the following or similar conditions:

• severe primary or secondary immunodeficiency, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, or on immunosuppressive treatments as listed in the ATAGI advice on third primary doses of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised
• bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy
• complex congenital cardiac disease
• structural airway anomalies or chronic lung disease
• type 1 diabetes mellitus
• chronic neurological or neuromuscular conditions
• a disability that requires frequent assistance with activities of daily living, such as severe cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

The Australian Government will be leading the vaccination program from 5 September 2022.

Vaccine dosage and timing

It is recommended all eligible children aged 6 months to less than 5 years receive 2 doses of the vaccine.

Severely immunocompromised children should receive 3 doses of the vaccine. The recommended time between doses is 8 weeks.

Booking an appointment

To locate the nearest COVID-19 vaccination provider and make a booking, visit the Australian Government online Vaccine Clinic Finder and select Moderna (6 months to 5 years).

More information

• Visit the Australian Government website to get more information on:
  • eligibility
  • suggested wait time between the Moderna vaccine and other childhood immunisations
  • when to vaccinate your child if they have COVID-19.
• information for children (5 and over), young people and families
• ATAGI recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 6 months to (Australian Government)
• COVID-19 vaccination – Patient resources (Australian Government)
• COVID-19 and children: Frequently asked questions (NCIRS)
• COVID-19 vaccination – Easy Read resources (Australian Government)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder