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Vaccine approved for toddlers, masks recommended but not mandated in schools

By Max Stainkamph

Jul 19, 2022

Masks recommended: Mask wearing is being encouraged across Victoria, but not mandated.

Children under the age of five will be able to receive Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine following a decision from the Therapeutic Goods Association on Tuesday, July 19.

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A TGA spokesperson said the move was made following analysis of data from the United States and Canada.

“The decision to provisionally approve the vaccine was also informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines, an independent committee with expertise in scientific, medical and clinical fields including consumer representation,” TGA said.

“Australians can be confident that the TGA’s review process of this vaccine was rigorous and of the highest standard.”

Meanwhile, students aged eight and above are strongly recommended to wear masks in classroom and indoor settings, but the Victorian Government has stopped short of making it mandatory.

The expectation will not involve sanctioning students or staff who do not wear masks between now and the end of winter.

The Department of Health, through acting chief health officer Ben Cowie, recommended making masks mandatory in schools, shops and other high-risk settings, but new Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas decided to let the public “make their own decision”.