Unvaccinated Australians waiting for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are now able to book in for their first and second shots, but experts warn its availability as a booster is not opening any time soon.

University of Melbourne immunologist Dr Jennifer Juno, said that “Novavax presents a valuable alternative for people with potential allergies to other COVID-19 vaccines”.

“Its effectiveness against the omicron variant is similar to the other vaccines used in Australia, but there’s no large scale data yet.”

According to Dr Juno, Novavax itself has actually conducted testing using its vaccine for three shots, which means it would become available as a booster in the future.

“That showed some nice results in preliminary data,” she told ABC News. “But that’s going to come a little bit down the line as they’re able to present more data to the regulatory authorities.”

Availability for Novavax inoculations begins on 21 February Greg Hunt MP announced.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also granted provisional approval for Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to be used in children aged 6-11 earlier today, following studies and clinical trials indicating that the vaccine creates a similar immune response for children in that age group to that recorded in young adults.

Spikevax has been approved for a two-dose treatment, with the second injection coming at least 28 days after the first and a similar safety profile to the adult one.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the easing of some of the state’s last remaining COVID-19 restrictions at 6pm tomorrow.

Density limits in hospitality venues have been scrapped while people will no longer need to check-in at supermarkets and retail venues.

Dance floors are back, however, people will still need to use a QR code to check-in at restaurants and pubs as, according to Mr Andrews “it is considered part of the vaccine economy”.

Health Minister Martin Foley also commented on the potential easing of the mask mandate in office settings next week, should the number of hospitalisations remain low.

“We are confident in the steps we are announcing today, for tomorrow,” Mr Foley said.

National COVID-19 update:

  • NSW: 9,995 new cases, 14 deaths, 1,447 patients in hospital, 92 in ICU
  • VIC: 8,501 new cases, 9 deaths, 401 in hospital, 78 in ICU, 16 on ventilators
  • QLD: 5,665 cases, 38 deaths, 408 in hospital including 26 in private hospital, 33 in ICU, 17 ventilated
  • TAS: 680 new cases, 16 in hospital, 2 in ICU, 0 deaths
  • SA: 1,440 new cases, 221 in hospital, 13 in ICU, 3 deaths
  • ACT: 537 new cases, 47 in hospital, 3 in ICU, 2 requiring ventilation, 1 death