It is almost time! The approval of the COVID vaccine for children under age 5 appears imminent!

  *** June 15 will be the new meeting date for the Moderna EUA request for 6 months through 5 years of age and Pfizer-BioNTech EUA request for 6 months through 4 years of age, based on the expected completion of a EUA submission.

We understand that there may be some trepidation in vaccinating our youngest population.  That being said, we are planning on providing the covid vaccinations in our office.  We hope to make the experience as pleasant and safe as possible. We have many resources that we can offer to parents and caregivers for those that have questions, concerns, or just want more information.

The providers at Doctors’ Pediatric fully endorse and recommend the covid vaccine for children under age 5. We’ve seen a range of symptoms among children, from very mild to serious illness, and in some cases even requiring hospitalization. That’s why we recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children 

Getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them

• from getting really sick even if they do get COVID-19
• in school and daycare
• safely participating in sports, playdates, and other group activities

We know parents and caregivers have questions and want more information. Here’s what you need to know.

Children can still get very sick from COVID-19.

Children can get infected with COVID-19, get very sick, suffer short- and long-term health complications, and spread COVID-19 to others.

The COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective for children.

COVID-19 vaccination has been studied carefully in children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the expert panel that works with them have reviewed the data from clinical trials. Through ongoing safety monitoring, vaccination for children continues to be safe and effective. Here are some important points about COVID-19 vaccination for children:

• COVID-19 vaccine dosage is based on age on the day of vaccination, not by size or weight. Children get an age-appropriate dose that is the right amount for them.
• The COVID-19 vaccine for children has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and teens. However, the vaccine that is given to adults and teens cannot be given to children.
• The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be monitored. Serious health events, including severe allergic reactions and myocarditis and pericarditis, after COVID-19 vaccination, is rare.
• The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for children outweigh the known and potential risks.
• Your child may get the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, at the same time.

Side effects may occur and are mild and temporary.

Your child may have some side effects after getting vaccinated. These are normal and usually go away in a few days. Some common side effects are

• Pain, redness, or swelling on the arm
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain, chills, or fever
• Nausea

Some children will have no side effects and severe allergic reactions are VERY rare. If your child experiences a severe allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, we are ready to respond. Most of the time, the only things your child might need after vaccination is rest, a non-aspirin pain reliever, and a cool washcloth at the injection site. Contact us if you need more information about treating potential side effects.

As more information becomes available, we will be updating everyone in regards to the timeline, vaccination clinics, etc.