When Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Available for Children?

Vaccines are finally being rolled out in better numbers. Right now, California is vaccinating health-care workers and anyone over 65. Let’s take a quick look at the state of play for vaccines.  The use of COVID-19 vaccines has been authorized and recommended in the United States. Currently, two vaccines are authorized to prevent COVID-19. These are Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. 

• The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended for people aged 16 years and older. After getting vaccinated, it is possible to experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where a person was vaccinated. Chills, tiredness, and headache are also side effects of the vaccine. 
• The Moderna vaccine, on the other hand, is recommended for people aged 18 years and older. Just like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a patient who is vaccinated with Moderna may also experience swelling, soreness, and redness in the arm as well as chills, tiredness, and headache. 

The side effects of both vaccines usually start within a day or two after getting it. These symptoms may affect the ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Studies on Kids 

It may take some time before the vaccinations are available to the general public. But for children, it may be even longer. This is because there are only a few children who have been part of the clinical trials. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine clinical trial included participants age 16 and older while the Moderna vaccine trial included participants age 18 and older.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on researchers to broaden their COVID-19 vaccine trials to include more children. It is important to note that a child’s immune system works differently than an adult’s. That’s why vaccination trials for children are vital. It will also help ensure safety for children. 

How Should Your Child Prepare if They Can’t Be Vaccinated

Before there is no current vaccine available for your child, it is still important for children to keep wearing masks, do proper social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene. Eating healthy and staying active can also help your children keep their bodies healthy. These efforts can help your child stay safe during the pandemic. 

The Wrap Up

The use of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines is a huge step forward in the fight against coronavirus. Soon, these vaccines will be available to the general public. However, it will be difficult to know when COVID-19 vaccines will be available to children.

If you have questions about the coronavirus, the COVID-19 vaccine, and your child, you can contact Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno. They provide quality healthcare to children in the Central Valley and can answer all your questions about the CHDP program. Schedule your child’s appointment today.