Kids and COVID 19 Vaccination Q: What COVID vaccine is available for kids right now? A: Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine was initially approved for individuals to as young as age 16 years old and was recently approved for kids as young as 12 years of age. This is a two shot series, given 3 weeks apart. The dose is the same as that given to adults. Q: When will younger kids be able to get vaccinated? A: Pfizer is currently conducting studies on kids as young as 6 months of age. Moderna is in the process of submitting data on their studies for ages 12-18 yrs and have started the process for studies in younger kids. Many reputable sources suggest that kids as young as 6yrs of age may be eligible for vaccination this fall. Keep checking our website for more information on timeline and details for vaccination in younger kids and infants. Q: How do I get my child vaccinated? A: In North Idaho, there are many locations that offer the Pfizer vaccine. Many local pharmacies have the Pfizer vaccine available (check online or in person to ensure they have Pfizer brand available for those under age 18 yrs). The local Walgreen’s pharmacies are offering Pfizer vaccine and appointments can be scheduled at www.walgreens.com. Other option: www.panhandlehealth.org. This site will allow you to make appointments at the Kootenai county fairgrounds site as well as other sites in adjacent counties. We are not yet offering COVID vaccination at Coeur d’Alene Pediatrics, but hope to be able to do so in the future. Keep watching our website for updates. Q: When is my child considered “fully vaccinated?” A: Building immunity takes a little bit of time. With regards to the COVID vaccine, an individual is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after administration of the second dose (which is 3 weeks after the first dose). Once an individual is fully vaccinated, they are not required to quarantine after an exposure to a COVID positive individual (you should still monitor for any symptoms and be tested if any arise). To see what else changes once fully vaccinated visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html Q: What should I know about other vaccinations with regards to COVID vaccine? A: At this time, administration of COVID vaccine with other vaccinations has not been studied. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) encourage kids to be fully vaccinated and have supported the co-administration of other vaccinations with the COVID vaccine when needed. Individual circumstances must be evaluated to determine wait time between other vaccinations and COVID vaccine. Be sure to alert your healthcare professional and the vaccination staff of any and all recent vaccinations and the date of your COVID vaccination. Q: Are there any safety concerns with the new technologies (mRNA and nanotechnology) being used in the development of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines?
A: There are no known additional risks of mRNA vaccines or lipid nanoparticles. Live attenuated viral vaccines, such as measles vaccine, induce an immune response that is similar to natural infection. mRNA vaccines, on the other hand, simply give the body instructions to produce one very specific part of a virus – in this case, the coronavirus spike protein – to then induce an immune response. In order to do its work, the mRNA vaccine needs to be able to get into our cells, and so it is wrapped in a lipid (fat) nanoparticle. Once it gets into the cells to deliver the instructions, the mRNA breaks down very quickly. It does not get into the nucleus of the cell, or into our genes/DNA. The studies done on ages 12 and up have demonstrated amazing safety and efficacy against COVID disease.
Q: What side effects are noted to date with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna)?
A: The side effects have been similar to other routine vaccines- sore arm, redness at injection site, fatigue/tiredness, fever, chills, headache and body aches. The side effects are temporary and mostly mild or moderate. Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) has been observed following receipt of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, but this has been rare. A full listing of the side effects is now available on the FDA website and a summary is found in the fact sheet that is provided to everyone who receives the vaccine.
Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 14–23, 2020 | MMWR (cdc.gov)
Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 21, 2020–January 10, 2021 | MMWR (cdc.gov)