Cambridge Schools Approve COVID-19 Vaccine — Boston May Be Next

This is not medical advice.

The Cambridge Public School District in suburban Boston recently approved a mandate that all public school students 12 and older were required to be vaccinated if they wanted to participate in extracurricular activities. The mandate, which the Cambridge School Committee approved in a 6-1 vote, will go into effect on Nov. 22, according to NBC Boston.

As the largest school district in Massachusetts to start requiring the vaccine, Cambridge hopes that other districts follow suit. Boston School District is reportedly considering a similar mandate for its schools and plans on hosting information sessions in coming weeks.

If you’re a parent who is considering getting a child vaccinated, you may have some questions and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, the possible side effects and the benefits of getting vaccinated. Here’s what you should know.

Is My Child Eligible For The COVID-19 Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that children as young as 5 receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, Pfizer’s vaccine is the only approved COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine available for the age group, which makes up 39 percent of COVID-19 cases in people under 18. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for people 12 to 15.

Your child will need to get two doses three weeks apart to be considered fully vaccinated, according to the FDA.

The dose for children 5 to 11 is one-third (10 mcg) of the dose given to people older than 12. Children older than 12 receive the same dosage of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as do adults.

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe For Children?

Research shows that benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks. More than 3,000 children received the vaccine in trials, and almost 1,500 children have been followed for at least eight weeks to monitor for potential safety issues. Aside from mild to moderate side effects that went away within a few days, no serious side effects were reported so far.

Although rare, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. Because of this, your child should be monitored for at least 15 minutes after receiving a dose. Those who have had immediate or severe reactions to a vaccine in the past should be monitored for at least 30 minutes.

A severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, may happen after any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, but it is rare. The Pfizer vaccine has also been linked to rare cases of myocarditis (heart inflammation) and pericarditis (heart lining inflammation). The risk seems to be highest in male patients 12 to 17 years old. Most people who experienced the conditions after the vaccine recovered easily.

What Are The Possible COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects In Children?

Your child may experience some side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which is a normal sign that her body is building protection. Side effects may include the following.

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

These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities but should go away in a few days. In some cases, children do not experience any side effects at all. You can ask your child’s health care provider for advice about using a nonaspirin pain reliever or other remedies. Placing a cool, damp cloth on the injection site can help with discomfort.

Why Should My Child Get The COVID-19 Vaccine?

There are many benefits that come with having your child vaccinated. While COVID-19 tends to be milder in children compared to adults, there is still a risk of serious illness or hospitalization for children who contract COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces risks of the following.

• Getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Having both short- and long-term health complications.
• Spreading COVID-19 to family members and siblings who may not be eligible for the vaccinations.

In addition, vaccinating children 5 and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates and other group activities.

How Can I Make A COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment For My Child?

If you’re looking to get a COVID-19 vaccination for your child, you may be able to find vaccine appointments now. Check with your child’s health care provider whether it offers COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also talk to your provider if you have any questions or concerns to help you make the best decision for your child.

In addition, GoodRx, the leading resource in health care savings, can offer some clarity and assistance on where and when you can get your child vaccinated. They’ve been collecting vaccine inventory and appointments from thousands of sites across the country and compiled this useful information into an easy-to-use resource guide to help you find a vaccination site near you. While GoodRx cannot distribute vaccines or make your appointment for you or your child, they have made it easy to browse your state and request an appointment.

If you're hoping to learn more about getting vaccinated, GoodRx has tons of helpful COVID-19 resources and reading materials.

Visit GoodRx to access discounts on vaccinations, prescriptions and much more.