People dine at a cafe in Melbourne, Australia, following the midnight lifting of coronavirus restrictions in one of the world's most locked-down cities. (Photo: AFP)

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.