A Pharmacist Explains: Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months and older. Vaccinating this age group, in addition to adults, will help reduce the chance of serious illness from COVID-19 while also helping to protect family and community members at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Are the pediatric vaccines the same as the adult vaccines?
Although the vaccines for children aged 6 months through 11 years of age contain the same active ingredients as the vaccines recommended for individuals aged 12 years and older, the dose kids receive is lower than the adult dose. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are also used.
Are the vaccines safe?
Yes. Before the vaccines were recommended, clinical trials were conducted in children to make sure the vaccine is safe. Children have experienced similar side effects from the vaccine as adults including pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and aches, muscle pain, chills, and fever.
Side effects generally occurred within a few days of receiving the shot but went away after a day or two. It is not recommended to give pain relievers before the shot, but placing a cool, damp cloth on the injection site can help with discomfort. COVID-19 vaccines are being monitored for safety with the most comprehensive and intense safety monitoring program in U.S. history.
Severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen after any vaccination but are rare. The CDC has an after vaccination health-checker to monitor side effects and serious adverse events.
Should my child get vaccinated?
Yes. Although children are less likely to become severely sick due to COVID-19, they can still become infected, spread the virus, and are at risk for both short and long-term health issues from COVID-19. Experts agree that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Your child may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including flu vaccine, at the same time.
Where can my child get vaccinated?
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to all people. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if they offer COVID-19 vaccination or ask your local pharmacist if vaccinations are available for children. You may also visit vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines near you.
What about a booster dose?
It is recommended that most children over 6 months of age receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine, if eligible. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see when your child should receive a bivalent dose. The bivalent booster contains protection against both original and more recent strains of the Omicron variant of the virus. Certain children may get them sooner depending on other conditions.
A booster tool is available to help know when to schedule your child’s booster: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html#when-you-can-get-booster