NOAH will being offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 (in addition to already offering the vaccine for everyone 12+) later in November. As we prepare to vaccinate a new group of patients, there may be some questions from patients and from our staff.
Top 5 Questions – COVID Vaccine for Kids
- Q: What’s the difference between the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, and the vaccine for ages 12 and above?
A: The Pfizer vaccine for ages 5-11 is 1/3 the dose given to ages 12 and older. The vaccine schedule is the same for all ages with the second dose 21 days after the first dose. - Q: Is the vaccine effective for kids?
A: The vaccine was 90-100% effective in the clinical trial with ZERO severe cases of COVD-19 in the vaccinated group during the trials. The vaccine is effective against all common variants including the Delta variant. - Q: Does my child need the vaccine?
A: Yes. Even though pediatric COVID cases are fewer than adult cases, more than 600 children in the U.S. have died from COVID. This puts COVID in the Top 10 Causes of Death in Children.
More than 5,200 children who had COVID developed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) which impacts vial organs like the lungs, heart, brain, and kidney, and can be fatal. - Q: What if my child already had COVID? Do they still need the vaccine?
A: While “natural” immunity is very effective, it does not last as long as the vaccine. Being vaccinated will provide continued protection after the natural immunity is gone. - Q: Is the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine safe for kids?
A: Yes. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in all ages 5 and up. While the vaccine did get approval faster than most vaccines, that is because vaccines for COVID-19 became the global priority allowing efforts to focus on getting this vaccine safely to the public. There are some rare but potential side effects including heart inflammation called myocarditis. This risk is 26 out of 1 million, or .000026%. Other side effects included are typical of all vaccines: soreness or mild swelling at the injection site, tiredness, low fever, and muscle aches in the 1 to 2 days after the vaccine.
