Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has revealed the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination approval process for children could be sped up, paving the way for 5-11-year-olds to get the jab.

He revealed on 4BC Drive he had been having discussions with Pfizer this week and he’s hopeful the application process through the Australian medical regulator will be brought forward.

The company is seeking approval in the US for children in that age bracket.

“It’s the first of a two-part process,” he told Scott Emerson.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration, our medical regulator in Australia, they have given Pfizer COVID vaccines what’s called provisionals.

“They’ve given it a provisional determination which means that Pfizer can expedite their vaccination, bring it forward quickly and it will be assessed very quickly.

“We are hoping they will bring it forward in the coming weeks, and I think that’s a really important development.”

He wouldn’t be drawn on the timeline of when children aged 5-11 would be approved to get the jab.

The application to the TGA will come in the “coming weeks”.

“We are ready to receive their application.”

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