Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer : This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, as...
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
- COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA.
- They are highly effective and safe.
What are the trusted sources for accurate COVID-19 Information?
To meet the high demand for COVID-19 information, when possible, find your answers online. Here are the most reliable websites:
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
- American Academy of Pediatrics parent website: www.healthychildren.org
- Always follow the most current CDC recommendations if they are different than those in this document.
Your child’s provider will be happy to address any concerns or questions you may have.
How effective is the COVID-19 Vaccine? Which vaccine is best?
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Vaccine Efficacy
- All the vaccines approved by the FDA for use in the US are effective at preventing severe COVID-19 infections, complications from infections (including “long COVID”, and the need for hospital admission.
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Best COVID Vaccine
- Any vaccine approved by the FDA is highly effective and safe. Get the one that is available to you. It will protect you and your family from serious illness.
What are the safety concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine? What are the side effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccine Safety
They are very safe based on tracking thousands of vaccinated people.
Common Side Effects
- The side effects are like other childhood vaccinations and usually go away on their own in one to two days.
- Some children have NO side effects. Some might have side effects with one dose in the series but not another, even though the vaccine is the same.
- Common side effects may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and pain/redness/swelling at the injection site pain.
“COVID Arm”
- Large red blotchy rash may occur at the injection site. This redness could last for up to a week and might feel itchy
- It is a harmless local reaction.
- It may or may not occur with the next shot.
- Less than 1 per 100 people have this reaction.
Blood Clots
- Very rare. Happens to 1 person for every 1million people vaccinated.
- Has not been observed in people receiving the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines – these are the vaccine brands available for children.
- Blood clots occur much more commonly in people who get COVID-19.
Myocarditis
- Very rare. Happens to 6 people for every 1million people vaccinated.
- Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Main symptoms are chest pain and shortness of breath.
- When due to the vaccine, symptoms start within 4 to 7 days of getting the vaccine. The symptoms are most often mild and resolve quickly.
- Mainly in males 16 years of age and older.
- Myocarditis is more common, and more severe, in people who get COVID-19 than people who have this side effect from the vaccine.
How long after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will my child be protected?
- Start of Vaccine Protection. Full protection is reached about 2 weeks after you complete the final dose of the primary series. Full protection is reached right after you complete the booster dose.
- Duration of Vaccine Protection. Research data has confirmed that protection is still high 5 months after completing the vaccine series.
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Booster Shots.
- Children aged 6 months–4 years who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get one or two doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine and the number of doses they have previously received.
- CDC recommends it for everyone age 5 years and older.
- Stay up to date by getting all recommended boosters when eligible.
- Learn more about the recommended booster vaccines here.
Infection after the COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 infections can happen in someone who has been completely vaccinated against COVID, including recommended booster doses. The vaccine prevents almost all complications, hospital admissions, and deaths.
COVID-19 Vaccines Eligibility and Special Patients
- Adults: Approved for all ages
- Children and Teens: Approved for children 6 months and older.
- Pregnant Women: Vaccines are approved and safe.
- Breastfeeding Mothers: Vaccines are approved and safe. Studies show that breastmilk passes vaccine antibody protection against COVID-19 to the baby.
- Underlying High Risk Conditions: Vaccines are approved and safe. These are the patients that need the vaccine protection the most. If you have questions about a specific condition, discuss it with your doctor.
- Someone who has already had COVID: Get the vaccine. It provides higher levels of antibodies and better protection than immunity following a COVID infection.
Visit the CDC website for updated information on the timing and frequency of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Reasons to Postpone a Scheduled COVID-19 Vaccine
- Positive COVID-19 Test: Postpone until 10 days after the positive test and your symptoms are improving.
- Exposed to COVID-19, But No Symptoms: Postpone until 10 days from the last day of exposure.
- Child is Sick but Has a Negative COVID-19 Test: For moderate or severe illness (including a fever), postpone until fever is gone and symptoms are improving. It is OKAY to receive the vaccine if your child has mild symptoms (such as runny nose or mild diarrhea without fever). This is true for most vaccines, including the COVID vaccine.
- COVID-19 Vaccines and other vaccines: COVID vaccines can be given at the same time as any other routinely recommended vaccine(s).
Please reach out to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines, Healthychildren.org and Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O. | 03/2024