CHILDRED AND COVID-19
Before a new shot is ever given to people, extensive lab testing is done that can take several years. Once testing in people begins, it can take several more years before clinical studies are complete and the shot is licensed.
COVID-19 shots are available for children as follows:
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5-11 year olds: Pfizer
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12-17 year olds: Pfizer
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Everyone ages 12 and older is recommended to get the COVID-19 booster shot.
COVID-19 shots have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in children 12 years and older. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 shot. Like adults, children may have some side effects after the COVID-19 shot, but they should go away in a few days.
Common sides effects may include injection site pain, tiredness, headaches, muscle/joint pain, and fever. These are usually mild and should only last one to two days.
IS THE DOSE OF COVID-19 SHOT THE SAME FOR 5-17 YEAR OLDS THE SAME AS ADULTS?
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Adolescents ages 12 years old and older receive the same dose as adults
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Children ages 5 through 11 receive an age-appropriate dose.
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The Pfizer shot for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, the Pfizer vaccine for adults and adolescents can not be used for children ages 5 through 11 years.
CAN I GIVE MY CHILD TYLENOL, MOTRIN, OR ADVIL BEFORE GETTING THE VACCINE TO PREVENT SIDE EFFECTS?
The CDC advises against giving your child pain-relieving medication before getting the shot. There is a chance that this may reduce the immune response to the vaccine. However, if after receiving the vaccine, fever or pain develop, it is acceptable to provide these medicines.
CAN MY CHILD GET THE COVID-19 SHOT IF THEY JUST RECEIVED A DIFFERENT ROUTINE VACCINATION?
Yes, you may receive all shots at the same time.
MY CHILD HAS ALREADY HAD COVID-19, SHOULD I BOTHER WITH THE SHOT?
Yes, your child should have the COVID-19 shot whether they have had COVID-19. The shot provides additional protection, thereby reducing the risk of a repeat COVID-19 infection. It is recommended that you wait one month after recovery before getting the shot.
Yes, a parent or guardian will need to give consent for the shot to be given.
TOP FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN AND THE COVID-19 SHOT
