Check out this information to help you make a decision.
In mid-June, 2022, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of coronavirus vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for children under the age of 5 years old. It marks a moment that’s been a long time coming. Since the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared on March 11, 2020, this is the first preventive treatment for young children. The news now has some parents and caregivers relieved, and others wondering what steps to take next.
The new recommendations allows children as young as 6 months old up to 4 years to obtain a novel coronavirus vaccine. They also open the doors for Moderna’s vaccine to be made available to teenagers and elementary-aged children. Previously, only Pfizer’s was available.
What facts are now out there to help you decide? Here’s a look at 10 things to know about COVID-19 vaccines when considering whether or not to get your young child vaccinated.
1) The vaccine is authorized for emergency use.
As with the other COVID-19 vaccines available to older children and adults, these for younger kids are authorized by the FDA for emergency use. This means that rigorous evaluation of these vaccines is still ongoing. Authorities are gathering more information to help them determine if they will authorize the use of these vaccines beyond emergencies. For a full rundown of what this entails, click here.
2) Pediatric deaths from COVID-19 have been higher than those seen from the flu in a typical year.
Every year, the flu kills both people young and old. While it’s still very rare for a child to die from the flu or from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, more pediatric deaths have occured from COVID-19 in the past year than doctors typically see from the flu. So, COVID-19 can currently be considered to be more deadly for kids than the flu.
3) Young kids generally don’t get as sick from COVID-19 as do older teens and adults.
Many kids who catch COVID-19 experience regular cold symptoms that eventually go away on their own within a week or so.
4) Hospitalizations of young kids surged during the Omicron wave.
Omicron seems to have caused more young kids to become sicker, compared with previous strains of the virus. Because of this, the FDA’s advisers say they decided the benefits from being vaccinated outweigh the minimal risks of being unvaccinated. The idea is that these vaccines are expected to help prevent young children from hospitalization and death, when it comes to COVID-19.
Related: How to avoid catching COVID-19 at the playground
5) Pfizer’s vaccine for kids younger than five is one-tenth of the adult dose.
This dosage has been specifically designed for younger children’s smaller bodies.
6) Three shots are needed for Pfizer’s young children’s vaccine.
The first two shots are given three weeks apart. Following this, the final two are taken at least two months later.
7) Two shots are needed for Moderna’s young children’s vaccine.
Moderna’s vaccine is a quarter of the adult dose. The two shots are given about four weeks apart.
8) Moderna and Pfizer possible vaccine side effects are largely minor.
There are always very rare cases that involve a more serious side effect when it comes to taking a vaccine, but studies have shown the vast majority of side effects for young children were minor. These included fever, fatigue, a sore arm, and a headache. Babies and young toddlers were found to be more fussy and sleepy for a day or two after vaccination.
9) The vaccines are recommended even if your child has already had COVID-19.
It remains unknown how much protection a COVID-19 infection offers and for how long. For this reason, vaccination is recommended even if your child has already had the virus.
10) Children who are immunocompromised may receive additional doses.
If your child is immunocompromised, they might be given additional doses of the vaccine in order for their system to mount the appropriate immune response.
Getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19 is a choice parents and caregivers will want to consider in the coming months. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor to have a conversation about your child’s particular situation.
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