Cold and flu season is in full swing here in Michigan, and one of the most important things that you can do to help prevent serious illness in your children is ensure that they are up to date on their vaccinations. This includes their seasonal flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, approved for children ages 6 months and older.
Q. Is the COVID vaccine safe for children?
A. Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as ongoing monitoring to make sure that they are safe. Children in particular receive a smaller dose of the COVID-19 vaccine than teens and adults, which is the case with many other routine vaccines, like hepatitis A and hepatitis B. While it’s common to experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, adverse or serious side effects are rare. Overall, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the known risks of COVID-19 and its possible complications.
Q. Why do kids need the COVID-19 vaccine if they don’t frequently experience severe illness from it?
A. It’s true that, in general, children are not as likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 than other at-risk populations. However, some children can become seriously ill or need to be hospitalized from complications caused by COVID-19, and the vaccine can protect against that.
Q. Which vaccines are available for children?
A: Children over 6 months of age can receive either three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or two doses of the Moderna vaccine. Contact your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment. The vaccine that is offered may vary simply due to availability and stock.
Q. Should all kids get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A. If your child has a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine’s ingredients, they shouldn’t receive the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your child should get the vaccine, asking their health care provider is a great place to start.
Q. Can my child get the vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
A. COVID vaccines are now part of the immunization schedule for all children ages 6 months and older. The vaccine can be given at the same time as other necessary vaccines during a well-child visit or anytime they are eligible.
Q. My child has already had COVID-19. Do they still need to get the vaccine?
A. Yes; research shows that people can get added protection from the vaccine even after they’ve already had COVID-19.
Shannon Bowen, M.D., is a pediatrician at MyMichigan Health.
