Do Children Experience The Same Side Effects
Kids had side effects similar to young adults, Pfizer said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.
Robinson also noted that sore arms and similar common side effects associated with the vaccine were most common for younger populations receiving the vaccine, but said no concerns have so far been raised, though additional data is expected to be released.
“I think the side effect profiles for kids are probably some of the same things we see, you know, with vaccines with adults,” she said. “The sore arms and things like that are kind of the most common side effects after vaccination and things that kids see after their vaccination with their routine vaccinations, as well, but no serious safety concerns have been identified with the use of Pfizer in this age group at this time.”
Moore echoed that claim, saying side effects for the younger group will likely be similar to 16- to 25-year-olds.
“They will have the same type of side effects as the 16 through the 25 group, which is injection site pain, which is fatigue, which is headaches,” he said. “So those are the most common ones… It’s not permanent, it is transient for about 24 to 48 hours.”
Chicago’s top doctor also said preliminary information did not indicate younger groups saw more or less side effects than others.
How Children Can Get The Covid
Parents will get information offering them the chance to make an appointment for their child to be vaccinated.
Children aged 5 to 15 can:
- book their vaccination appointments online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy
- find a walk-in vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment
- wait to be contacted by a local NHS service such as their GP surgery to arrange their appointments
Some children may still be offered a 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine locally through their school until the end of April 2022.
If your child has a condition that means they’re at high risk from COVID-19 or they live with someone who has a weakened immune system they can:
- book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online you can book their 1st dose appointment online but they’ll need to go to a walk-in vaccination site to get their 2nd dose in 8 weeks
Would Getting The Covid
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer each provide about a 95% chance of protecting you from developing severe symptoms from COVID-19 after completion of the two-dose series. The vaccines are very effective in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine
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The Vaccine Is Not Necessary For Kids Because They Don’t Get Covid
While kids as a group are less severely affected than adults, Dr. Johns said there are children who do get serious cases. And a growing number are developing “long COVID,” which can cause headache, fatigue, problems focusing, or other lingering issues, added Dr Johns. Data presented to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices showed that adolescents as a group, ages 12 to 17, were much more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than with influenza. The analysis was based on data from flu outbreaks over the past decade.
Vaccinating children can protect them from serious COVID-19 infections and complications, including Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children , a rare but dangerous illness in children exposed to COVID-19. Dr. Johns said she had to admit children to a pediatric intensive care unit who were critically ill, “who may wind up having long-term damage to their hearts from this post-infectious inflammatory condition.”
Getting vaccinated would also be a step toward giving kids some normalcy, , professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the immunization project at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, told Health. “Parents really need to realize that getting your teen vaccinated is going to help not only your teen return to normal daily activities but help our communities and nation return to life as we knew it pre-COVID,” said Dr. Boom.
Have A Family Discussion About Vaccination

Talk to children and youth about the importance of getting vaccinated.
- Tell them about vaccination using age-appropriate language.
- Tell them what will happen and how it will feel.
- Communicate using neutral language.
- Try using words such as ‘pressure’ or ‘poke’ to describe how it might feel.
- Avoid misleading information like ‘it won’t hurt.’
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For the vaccination appointment, pick coping strategies based on each childs needs and preferences. Try:
- distraction
- relaxation techniques
- medication that numb the skin
- this medication dulls the sensation from the needle, and you can get it from the pharmacy without a prescription
- medication should be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the appointment, so plan ahead
If your child is very afraid of needles, talk to your health care provider about it. They might suggest treatment with an expert such as a psychologist. Treating needle fear can help children to accept vaccination and other needle procedures.
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Should I Vaccinate My Child
Yes! I encourage all families, including children 12 and up, to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
We know that getting vaccinated is the best defense against this potentially deadly virus, along with wearing masks, physical distancing and other behaviors. Lets help our kids get back to being kids with school, sports and fun.
Cdc Clears Way To Vaccinate 12
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , acting on recommendations from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , today cleared the way for 12-15 year olds to begin receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
The Utah Department of Health recommends vaccine providers throughout the state become familiar with the CDCs recommendations for vaccinating this age group, and to begin offering vaccines as soon as they are able.
Approximately 215,000 Utah children fall into this age group and are now eligible to receive the vaccine.
The sooner providers start vaccinating these kids the better, said Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Many Utah parents have been waiting for this news so they can make sure their families are more fully protected. This will mean safer gatherings with family and friends and an epic summer.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 23,419 Utah children ages 12-15 have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Approximately 201 12-15 year olds needed to be hospitalized. Of those requiring hospitalization in that age group, 14 developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children . MIS-C is a serious condition that can lead to death.
The CDC also adjusted its recommendations on administering COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as other vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine may now be given simultaneously with other vaccines.
For more information on how to find a COVID-19 vaccine in Utah visit .
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Do Kids Get Side Effects From The Vaccine
Just like adults, kids might get side effects from the jab. But the evidence so far suggests these side effects will usually be mild and pass quickly.
A study of vulnerable children aged 12 to 15 whove already had the jab found that vaccine side effects are likely to be mild to moderate and clear up quickly in this group.
Although the study numbers are small, the researchers said they hoped the data, which is published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, should offer reassurance to parents and clinicians.
While serious vaccine side effects are very rare, its also extremely rare for teens to be hospitalised with Covid and this is why scientists have been cautiously weighing up the pros and cons. Theyre also considering the long Covid risks for kids.
‘significant Step’ With Schooling Implications
In a statement about the first COVID-19 vaccine Canada has authorized for use in younger age groups, Pfizer Canadas vaccine lead Fabien Paquette called it a significant step forward in helping the Canadian government broaden its vaccination program and begin to help protect adolescents before the start of the next school year.
BioNTechs chief medical officer Ozlem Tureci said research is continuing on the use of the vaccine in pediatric populations, with a study ongoing into the safety and efficacy in children six months to 11 years of age.
Sharma said the pharmaceutical giant has indicated it could be submitting its submission to expand use to children ages five to 11 as soon as September.
Health Canada had been reviewing Pfizer-BioNTechs submission to expand the use of the vaccine to 12 to 15 year olds since mid April.
The most commonly reported side effects were temporary and mild, like a sore arm, chills or fever, Sharma said.
Typically, the vaccine submission review process can take much longer, but because of an emergency order, Health Canada has been able to expedite the authorization process.
Other authorized COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers are also conducting trials with their vaccines in children and its likely over time other vaccines in use in Canada could start being offered to younger people.
As has been the case with each new COVID-19 vaccine approval from Health Canada, the agency has and a summary of the evidence reviewed.
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When Will Shots Be Given To Kids
Sharma said that federal officials leading the national vaccine rollout will have more to say on Thursday about what this authorization might mean for the mass vaccination effort.
Prior to expanding who could become eligible to be vaccinated, the federal government had said itd have enough doses in Canada to fully vaccinate everyone who was eligible by the end of September.
Shortly after Health Canadas announcement, Alberta announced that every Albertan aged 12 and older will be eligible and able to register to receive this vaccine starting Monday. Ontario said Wednesday that plans are being made to start vaccinating Ontarians ages 12 to 18, but theres no firm timeline on when theyll be able to book their shots yet.
In an interview on CTV News Channel, emergency room physician Dr. Lisa Salamon suggested that in hotspots nationwide, shots should start to be made available to children 12 and older.
Its going to be complicated But they are the spreaders, she said, suggesting when parents are coming to get their shots that their eligible family members should be able to come with them.
We have enough vaccine. I think we really need to consider strongly — particularly in the hotspots when we have structural barriers here — to be able to roll in the younger members of those families and for them to be able to come together as a family and get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible who are eligible, she said.
Are The Vaccines Safe For Younger Kids
Although weve yet to offer the vaccine to most children aged 12 to 15 in the UK, the vaccine is widely available to over 12s across Europe and the US.
The big question regarding vaccinating youngsters has been whether the benefits outweigh the risks, Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology from the University of Warwick previously said.
Increasing data from the US where nearly 9 million 12- to 17-year-olds have been vaccinated and the extension of vaccines to teenagers in Canada and France has provide reassurance that the Pfizer vaccine is safe with serious side effects being very rare.
Dr Peter English, a retired consultant in communicable disease control, added: The UK medicines regulator approved the vaccines from the of 12 years in early June, and other countries, such as the USA and Canada, have been offering the vaccine routinely to children aged 12+ for some time now, so we have an abundance of safety data for this age group.
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Governor Lamont Announces 12
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech is available to residents in Connecticut between the ages of 12 to 15 at all clinics in the state that are offering that vaccine. The expansion of Connecticuts vaccine program follows on the heels of this afternoons decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to recommend the vaccine for this age group.
Parents and legal guardians of roughly 170,000 Connecticut residents between the ages of 12 to 15 can now sign their children up for an appointment or visit one of the many clinics that are accepting walk-up patients. Parents and guardians are urged to note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for this younger age group, so they should only seek clinics that are offering this particular vaccine.
The vaccine is safe, effective, and saving lives,Governor Lamont said. Expanding the vaccination program to this age group is going to be incredibly beneficial in terms of getting our schools back to normal and encouraging safe, summer enrichment activities.
Individuals between the ages of 12 and 15 can be vaccinated at any clinic that is offering the Pfizer vaccine, as long as they are accompanied by or have the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
Those who have further questions or do not have access to the internet can call Connecticuts COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224.
Where Will You Be Able To Get The Vaccine For Kids Ages 12

At Northwestern Childrens Practice in Chicagos Gold Coast neighborhood, pediatricians have the Pfizer vaccine ready to go in the specialized freezer it requires. Parents can schedule the shots for kids in the approved age group once the FDA and the CDC give the okay.
But the subzero storage may be a challenge for some pediatricians to offer it in-office.
I think a lot of parents probably would feel more comfortable getting in their pediatrician’s office, but whether you get it at the pediatrician or the pharmacy or health department, I think the shot is the shot at that point, Dr. Scott Goldstein, a pediatrician at Northwestern Childrens Practice said.
A spokesperson for Cook County Health said administrators at its five locations offering the Pfizer vaccine will welcome children, accompanied by a parent, once the FDA and CDC give the green light. Parents can make appointments and walk-ins will also be welcome.
Chris Hoff, the Director for Community Health Resources in DuPage County, said children ages 12-15, accompanied by a parent, will be accepted at the community vaccination site at the DuPage County Fairgrounds.
The goal will be to make sure the vaccine is widely available to a group that really should be prioritized for vaccine, especially as we look to school in the fall and reduction in transmission all over the community, Hoff said.
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Biden Lays Out Plan For When Fda Green Lights Covid Vaccines For Children
The two Pfizer vaccine doses would be exactly the same as what are given to adults, three weeks apart, FDA officials said.
If it is greenlighted by the CDC, the vaccine’s rollout may differ from state to state. The FDA authorization applies everywhere across the U.S. and territories, but some sites or pharmacies might not give the shots to younger teens, depending on state rules and regulations.
On the FDA’s website, the agency’s acting commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, said the authorization was “a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The action, Woodcock wrote, “allows for a younger population to be protected from Covid-19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic.”
The administration also plans to send vaccines directly to pediatricians’ offices, where parents may feel more comfortable discussing their children’s shots. The vaccinations will also be available at other sites, such as community centers.
In late March, Pfizer said Phase 3 clinical trial data showed that its Covid-19 vaccine was 100 percent effective in preventing the illness in children 12 to 15 years old.
Does Going Back To School Increase My Childs Risk Of Catching Or Transmitting The Coronavirus
The highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is a concern among those who have not been vaccinated, including children. With that in mind, the CDC has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools and recommends universal indoor masking by all students , staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, as well as physical distancing and other precautions. Having your teen or child vaccinated as soon as he or she is eligible will help prevent infections and spread of COVID-19.
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What Share Of The Population Has Been Partly Or Fully Vaccinated Against Covid
The following charts show the breakdown of vaccinations by those that have been partly or fully vaccinated. A person is considered partly vaccinated if they have received only one dose of a 2-dose vaccine protocol. A person is considered fully vaccinated if they have received a single-dose vaccine or both doses of a two-dose vaccine.
This data is only available for countries which report the breakdown of doses administered by first and second doses.
Covid Vaccines And Kids: 20 Things To Know
As vaccines become available to kids ages 12-15, experts answer parents top questions about COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents and teens.
The country recently reached a highly anticipated milestone when adolescents and younger teens became eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
And more than half a million kids aged 12 to 15 have already received COVID vaccine shots since the May 10 authorization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moderna just announced that its vaccine is also safe and effective in ages 12-17 and is expected to begin offering it to adolescents this summer as well.
Family physician and immunization expert Pamela Rockwell, D.O., and Sharon Kileny, M.D., a pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital, answer frequently asked questions below.
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