What You Need To Know About COVID-19 Vaccinations For Children

For parents considering the COVID-19 vaccine for their children, they are likely to have a number of questions regarding this important decision. To help answer any questions inquisitive parents might have, Banner Health is here to address the most pressing topics, including recommended age for vaccination, potential side effects for children who have received the COVID-19 vaccine and whether it’s safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines.

Why Should Children Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine?

Children are as likely to be infected with COVID-19 as adults, and numbers obtained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrate just how much of an impact COVID-19 has had on this demographic. According to the CDC, among the 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 in the United States, there have been nearly 2 million cases of COVID-19 within this age group.

In addition to becoming infected, it is also possible for children to:

• Get very sick from COVID-19.
• Have both short- and long-term health complications from COVID-19.
• Spread COVID-19 to others, including at home and school.

By receiving the vaccine, children ages 5 and up are less likely to get seriously sick if they do get COVID-19, and they’re also able to help protect family members who are at high risk or are not eligible to be vaccinated.

At What Age Should Children Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC recommends that everyone ages 12 years and older get a COVID-19 booster shot. Currently, Pfizer-BioNTech is the only vaccine authorized for those between the ages of 5 and 17.

Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccines For Children Ages 5 And Up

Can Children Experience Side Effects From The Vaccine?

There is the potential for some children to experience mild side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. These side effects are similar to those also experienced by adults. Possible side effects include:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

If you have any questions/concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine or its side effects, it’s best to discuss these with your pediatrician.

Can Other Vaccines Be Taken With The COVID-19 Vaccine?

For parents who may be concerned about their child receiving more than one vaccine during a visit, Banner Health confirms that your child may get other vaccines when they go in to get their COVID-19 shot.

“Our immune system is an incredible and complex system that is designed to tackle hundreds if not thousands of different substances during a day,” says Russell Horton, DO, a pediatrician at Banner Health Center in Queen Creek, Arizona. “From the things we touch to what we breathe or eat, our immune system processes all of them and creates appropriate responses and defenses. The addition of these few antigens in the form of vaccines is not going to overwhelm our bodies.”

The Bottom Line

According to the CDC, widespread vaccination for COVID-19 helps protect everyone from COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications. In addition to getting vaccinated, the CDC recommends that everyone ages 2 years and older wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public in areas where the COVID-19 Community Level is high, regardless of vaccination status. They also recommend staying at least 6 feet away from other people when indoors if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, isolating yourself if you do feel sick and taking other precautions.

Get The Latest News And Updates On COVID-19 From Banner Health

Sources:
Banner Health: COVID-19 Vaccine
Banner Health: Talking to Your Children About Vaccines
Banner Health: COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids Ages 5 to 11, Here’s What to Know
CDC: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens
CDC: How to Protect Yourself & Others