Just like adults, children need protection against COVID-19 for their health and those that are around them. And the best way to protect your child from COVID-19 is for them to get vaccinated. Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children from 5-18 years of age.
With COVID-19 vaccines available now to children, getting the vaccine is the best thing to do for your child’s health.
It’s normal for parents to wonder whether their child should get vaccinated. Here are some common questions that parents usually ask regarding the COVID-19 vaccine:
Studies are still underway to see if the vaccines are safe and effective in children younger than 5 years old. Manufacturers need to carefully evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine in younger age groups. Once thorough testing has been done and it is found that the vaccine is safe and effective for children under 5 years of age, then COVID-19 vaccines may be authorized by the FDA to be given to younger children.
If your child has allergies to a previous vaccine or is allergic to one of the components found in the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your pediatrician about it first. If your doctor has given their go signal, then your child can receive the vaccine. Recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine are also monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the shot in case of an allergic reaction. For those who have a history of severe allergic reaction to foods or medications, they are monitored for 30 minutes.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children. Clinical trial data suggest that the vaccine is as or more effective for children ages 5 to 18 than it is for adults. Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccines have been intensively and rigorously monitored to ensure that it is safe for children.
The vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the COVID-19. Although COVID-19 in children is usually milder than in adults, some children can get very sick and have complications. This is especially true for children and teenagers with underlying health conditions such as weakened immune systems, obesity, or chronic lung conditions. The vaccine serves as the protection your child needs against COVID-19.
Talk to your child before the visit about what to expect. Tell the doctor or any present healthcare provider about any allergies your child may have. Comfort your child during the appointment and reassure them so that they don’t have anything to worry about. After your child receives the vaccine, the doctor will closely monitor them for 15 to 30 mins before they can go home.
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, you can talk to your child’s doctor or any healthcare professional. CMCFresno is currently scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for children 5 years of age and above. If you’re planning to immunize your child with the COVID-19 vaccine, visit us or call us at (559) 455-1500 to learn more.
