COVID-19 Vaccine Update

While serious illness occurs less in kids than adults, it still happens. Throughout the pandemic, thousands of children in the U.S. have been hospitalized with COVID-19. And we’re still studying the long-term effects of this illness.

Plus, the vaccine helps prevent kids from spreading COVID-19 to loved ones and other people in the community. It helps them fully participate in school, since quarantine requirements are often different for students who are vaccinated. It’s a safer way for your family to return to favorite activities.

Safety experts from the CDC and FDA have carefully reviewed months of clinical trial data for ages 5 to 11, and found that the vaccine is safe and effective for this age group. Millions of doses have already been given to adolescents and adults in the U.S.

All children ages 5 to 17 receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for these ages. At all ages, this vaccine is given in two shots, about three weeks apart. Ages 5 to 11 receive a low dosage: just 10 micrograms per shot, a third of the dosage for adolescents and adults.

The vaccine uses mRNA technology, which has been studied for more than a decade. There is no live virus involved – the mRNA molecule is simply a messenger that tells the body how to create an immune response. Then it’s quickly broken down by the body and disappears.

They might. Just like adults, it’s common for some kids to have a fever, be tired and achy, and feel sore where they got their shot. These symptoms go away in about a day. Similar side effects are common with lots of routine vaccinations, including the flu shot.

If your child develops fever or pain after their vaccine, it’s fine to give them an appropriate dosage of children’s pain reliever. Just don’t do it as a precaution before their vaccine. (That could interfere with their immune response, and make the vaccine less effective.)

COVID-19 infection is actually much more likely to cause myocarditis than the vaccine. Cases linked to the vaccine have been rare and mostly mild, and almost all have gone away on their own. In other words, one way to protect your child from myocarditis is getting their COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes. The clinical studies show that ages 5 and up need both doses to get the strongest protection from the vaccine. That’s not only important against existing variants, like Delta, but to protect your child from future variants, which may be even more contagious.

Yes. Even though they’ll have some level of natural immunity, the vaccine provides additional protection. It’s possible to get COVID-19 more than once, so the vaccine helps prevent another infection.

Yes, that’s fine. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine vaccinations, including the flu shot.

Your child’s pediatrician knows your child’s health history best, so reach out to them with specific concerns. But in general, almost every eligible child should get the vaccine. One exception is kids who have had a severe allergic reaction to a similar vaccine, but these cases are usually very rare.

Right now, your child can only get a COVID-19 booster if they’re at least 12 years old. It also depends on when they got their shot. Connecticut Children’s physician-in-chief shares everything you need to know.

For more FAQs, check out the links on this page. For specific questions about your child, contact your child’s pediatrician. They’re your best resource for your child’s unique health history.

Explore the links above for Connecticut Children’s vaccine clinics, as well as links to other clinics throughout the state. The vaccine will be widely available in the community, and we encourage you to go wherever is most convenient.

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