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Check your child's personal risk profile

Your child’s personal health history may affect how their body responds to the virus or the vaccine. Talk to your family doctor if any of the statements below apply.


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Your child may be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and ongoing COVID-related problems if they:1

  • have had an organ transplant and are on immune-suppressive therapy
  • have had a bone marrow transplant
  • have a complex chronic disease
  • live with a significant disability that requires assistance with activities of daily living
  • have chronic inflammatory conditions that require immune-suppressive or immunomodulatory medication
  • have chronic neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy)
  • have a blood disorder or cancer
  • are having certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • are survivors of childhood cancers
  • have a long-term health problem such as chronic lung disease, kidney failure, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure 
  • have HIV/AIDS
  • have a compromised immune system.
     
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COVID-19 vaccination may not be recommended for your child if they:2

  • have previously had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a COVID-19 vaccine
  • have previously had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any other vaccine.

 
 

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Discuss the best timing of COVID-19 vaccination with your doctor if your child:

  • has current or recent (within past three months) inflammatory heart disease, acute heart failure or acute rheumatic heart disease
  • takes immunosuppressive medication
  • is acutely unwell (e.g. with a fever).

+ References

  1. Australian Government Department of Health. ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 19 January 2022. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-following-weekly-covid-19-meeting-19-january-2022 
  2. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Clinical guidance on use of COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. in 2021 (v7.0). 24 January 2022. https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/advice-for-providers/clinical-guidance