Although children have a lower risk of severe infection from COVID-19, cases in children can still result in hospitalizations, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), long-term complications that can make symptoms linger (also known as “long-hauler” symptoms) and even death. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 illness was one of the top 10 causes of death in children 5 – 11 years old this past year. The spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant also resulted in a surge of cases in children throughout the summer and as in-person school began. You also never know when a variant can mutate again like we’ve seen with Delta and Omicron variants.
Immunizations are one of the best means of protection against contagious diseases like COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children ages 5 – 11, which means this vaccine met high standards for safety and effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends everyone 5 years and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children ages 5 – 11 who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in any of the children.
COVID-19 vaccines are being continuously monitored for safety with the most comprehensive and intense safety monitoring program in United States history. The CDC monitors the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines after the vaccines are authorized or approved for use, including any side effects or complications in children ages 5 – 11.
Similar to the results seen in adult vaccine trials, the COVID-19 vaccine study for children ages 5 – 11 found that the vaccine was 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. Side effects were mild, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. These include:
- Pain, redness or swelling in the injection site
- Tiredness
- Headache and muscle pains
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
Fortunately, children 5 – 11 years old experienced these short-term side effects less often than older children and adults, and they usually go away within a day or so. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose for children 5 – 11 is one-third that of older individuals’ yet produces the same level of protection.
Serious health events after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are rare in people of all ages and allergic reactions may happen after any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, but this is also rare. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s pediatrician about ways to help prepare your child for the vaccine and to help answer any questions you may have.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, getting yourself and your family vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against a potentially severe illness. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit millerchildrens.org/COVID.
MemorialCare is offering free COVID-19 vaccine clinics across Orange County for everyone who is eligible to receive one. Make an online appointment at mymemorialcarecovid.memorialcare.org.