Australia, quickly becoming one of most-vaccinated nations against COVID-19, will likely start administering the shots for children under the age of 12 in January, officials said on Sunday. 

Health Minister Greg Hunt said medical regulators are still reviewing the health and safety data for the vaccinations to be administered for children between the ages of five and 11 and are unlikely to decide this year.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this month recommended the Pfizer/BioNTech shot for broad use in the 5-11 age group, after it was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

Last week, Australia crossed the 90% single-dose mark for those aged 16 and over, with 83% having two shots.

Source: VOV5