04 Nov COVID-19 VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN 5-11 YEARS OLD: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted at 10:41h in Disease Outbreaks, Vaccines by

As of November 2, the CDC has authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are still undergoing testing for their COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11. Vaccine approval for children ages 5-11 has taken longer than other age groups due to continuous testing and increased precautionary measures. While FDA approval is the final obstacle Moderna and Johnson & Johnson must go through, Moderna is expected to be the next company to get their vaccine approved. 

As of November 2021, over 58% of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 69% of adults compared to 67% of minors are fully vaccinated. Getting youth and adult Americans fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is still the safest and most effective way to end the pandemic and keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy.

Although the COVID-19 vaccine is required for all minors in a majority of U.S. states, parent/guardian permission has been a barrier for some children, and the extent of this barrier varies from state to state. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s safety and it’s imperative that parents and guardians protect this vulnerable group by permitting them to be vaccinated against the harmful and potentially fatal Coronavirus.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most children, but it is advised that you do not give children the COVID-19 vaccine if they have a history of allergic reactions to any of the vaccine’s components. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have about the vaccine with your child’s pediatrician.

Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Other physical side effects your child may experience after receiving their vaccine include:

  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

To reduce the potential discomfort that your child may experience after receiving the vaccine, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth to the vaccinated area, and urge them use and exercise their arm daily. To alleviate your child’s potential discomfort from a possible fever, make sure they drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly. 

Call a doctor if the redness/pain in your child’s arm worsens after 24 hours, or their side effects are worrying and do not subside after a few days. 

Getting you and your child vaccinated is the best way to keep those around you protected from COVID-19. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in particular is shown to be 93% effective against hospitalizations in children compared to 88% of adults. Vaccine doses could become available for children as soon as November 8. 

To receive a COVID-19 vaccine today:

  • Visit Vaccines.gov.
  • Text your zip code to 438829.
  • Call 1-800-232-0233.
  • Visit your local pharmacy’s website to see if COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available.
  • Tune into your local news outlets for up-to-date information on where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in your area.

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