Vaccinations for 5-year-olds

Dear IPS families

Children aged 5 to 11 will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations from 10th January 2022. This includes 5-year-olds attending early childhood education and care services.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our communities from further outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19.

The vaccine is one-third of the adult dose and will be delivered at 2 appointments, expected to be 8 weeks apart. The time between the 2 doses can be shortened in special circumstances, such as in an outbreak response or for international travel.

The Victorian Government aims to enable all children aged 5 to 11 to receive at least one vaccine dose before the end of January 2022, and a second dose before 8th April 2022.

Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to book their child in to receive their first vaccination as soon as possible after 10th January.

Some children will already be 5 at the start of the year, while others will turn 5 over the year. Families should book their children in for vaccination as soon as possible after their fifth birthday.

Attached is a letter to all parents from the Department of Education.