Post : COVID Vaccines for Young Children Questions and Answers
URL : [link removed]
Posted : June 21, 2022 at 9:12 am
Author : Vincent Iannelli, MD
Tags : coadministration, covid vaccines for kids, Moderna, myocarditis, Pfizer, v-safe, VAERS
Categories : COVID-19
New COVID vaccines have finally been authorized for younger children!
[link removed] Many pediatric providers have already received their first shipment of Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines for young children!
So , what questions do you have?
COVID Vaccines for Young Children Questions and Answers
Of course, some of the best places to get those answers are from the FDA and CDC, including the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets for these vaccines:
FDA – EUA Moderna COVID Vaccine 6 months to 5 years ( [link removed] ) (healthcare providers)
FDA – EUA Moderna COVID Vaccine 6 months to 5 years ( [link removed] ) (recipients and caregivers)
FDA – EUA Pfizer COVID Vaccine 6 months to 4 years ( [link removed] ) (healthcare providers)
FDA – EUA Pfizer COVID Vaccine 6 months to 4 years ( [link removed] ) (recipients and caregivers)
CDC – Interim Clinical Considerations Update for Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines ( [link removed] )
CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens ( [link removed] )
CDC - Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens ( [link removed] )
Most importantly, know that "CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19" and that both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines are safe and effective for these younger kids.
Which vaccine should you get your child?
[link removed] Understand that your child is not protected until they complete their primary schedule of these COVID vaccines. The Moderna COVID does have a benefit that you can get protection quicker, with just two doses, while you are not protected until after you get that third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Unless you have a choice, you should likely just get the first one that is available. They are both safe and effective.
[link removed] The Moderna COVID vaccine can be stored in a vaccine refrigerator for up to 30 days. The vials must be thawed before use and then discarded after 12 hours after the first dose has been withdrawn.
[link removed] Although the Pfizer COVID vial label states age 2y to <5y, it can be used in children ages 6months to 4years. It also must be discarded 12 hours after dilution, not after 6 hours.
What if your child has a birthday around the time they are getting vaccinated? The CDC provides instructions when transitioning from a younger to an older age group ( [link removed] ) .
[link removed] The dose depends on your child's age on the day they are to be vaccinated, they could get a 3mcg dose of Pfizer vaccine for their first dose and a 10mcg dose for their second if they turned five years between doses, although they would still need a third dose. They could also get an early 10mcg dose if they are almost 5 years old, finishing the primary series with another 10mcg dose after they turned five!
[link removed] Infants and younger toddlers will get their COVID vaccine in their thigh.
Providers and parents should also know that:
* It is expected that children will experience fewer side effects than adolescents and young adults.
* Children with a past history of COVID should still get a COVID vaccine.
* COVID vaccines may be given (coadministration ( [link removed] ) ) with other pediatric vaccines.
* You do not have to repeat the dose if an error ( [link removed] ) was made and a child received a higher than authorized dose.
* You should repeat the dose immediately if an error was made and a child received a lower than authorized dose, although you might want to wait 8 weeks if you are concerned about any extra risk of myocarditis ( [link removed] ) , especially in teen and young adult males.
* If your child recently had a natural COVID infection and a history of MIS-C, then they might wait for 90 days before getting a COVID vaccine
* there are few contraindications to getting the Pfizer COVID vaccine, but they do include having a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis ( [link removed] ) ) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine ( [link removed] ) or an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine
* Parents can sign their kids up for v-safe ( [link removed] ) so that they can tell CDC about any side effects they are having after they are vaccinated.
* Side effects after vaccination should also be reported to VAERS ( [link removed] ) .
Have more questions?
Ask your pediatric provider.
More on COVID Vaccines for Young Children Questions and Answers
* Are Kids Dying With COVID-19? ( [link removed] )
( [link removed] ) Adding Dependent Children to Your V-Safe Account ( [link removed] )
* The Truth About COVID-19 Vaccines ( [link removed] )
* COVID-19 Vaccination Questions and Answers ( [link removed] )
* COVID Vaccine Safety in Children ( [link removed] )
CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form for Child Under 18 or Adult Conservatee ( [link removed] )
CDC – Prevaccination Checklist for COVID-19 Vaccines ( [link removed] )
CDC - How to Add a Dependent in V-safe ( [link removed] )
FDA - Spikevax and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine ( [link removed] )
FDA - Comirnaty and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine ( [link removed] )
CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Healthcare Professionals ( [link removed] )
CDC - Clinical Considerations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination in Adolescents ( [link removed] )
* COVID-19 CPT vaccine and immunization codes ( [link removed] )
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