The vaccines for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are now available to children ages 5 and upwards in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the safety and effectiveness of the covid 19 vaccine, the possible side effects, and the benefits of getting your child vaccinated.
Covid Vaccine or Boosters for Kids
Although kids do not frequently experience severe illness with COVID-19, they will still need the vaccine.
Why do Kids Need the Covid 19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine can prevent your child from getting the virus and spreading it at home, in school, and in every other environment.
If your child gets COVID-19, a vaccine could prevent severe illness from the virus.
Using a COVID vaccine can also help keep your child safe in school and more safely have playdates and take part in sports and other group activities.
What are the Approved Covid 19 Vaccines and Boosters for kids in the U.S.
In the United States, covid 19 vaccines for kids are prescribed according to age group. Here they are below
Ages 5-11
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for this particular age group. The dosage of this vaccine involves two shots, given three weeks apart.
It contains a lower dose than the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine that is used for people of age/12 and older. According to research, this vaccine is about 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 through 11.
Ages 12 through 15
The FDA has given emergency use authorization to another Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the age group of 12 to 15. This vaccine involves two shots also. The second dose can be given between three to eight weeks after the first dose.
It contains the same dose as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. Research has also shown that this vaccine is 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children between the ages of 12 through 15.
Ages 16 and older
The FDA has also approved a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, called Comirnaty, for this age group. The dosage of this vaccine involves two shots. The second dose can be given between three to eight weeks after the first dose. This vaccine is said to be 91% effective in preventing severe illness with COVID-19 in people of ages 16 and older.
What are the Side Effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids?
In a test carried out with the covid 19 vaccine, Children given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines had side effects that are similar to those experienced by people of the ages 16 and older. The common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling unwell
Quite Similar to adults, children have side effects within 2 days after vaccination that may typically last for 1 to 3 days. More children reported these side effects, except for the normal injection site pain, after the second dose of the vaccine. On the contrary, some people have no side effects.
After your child is given a COVID-19 vaccine, he or she will have to be monitored for 15 to 30 minutes to see if he or she has an allergic reaction that will require treatment.
It isn’t recommended that you give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever before the covid 19 vaccination to prevent side effects. It’s OK to give this kind of medication after your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine for pain relief.
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