Protecting Your Child Against COVID-19

Potential COVID-19 vaccine side effects in children include: 

• Pain, swelling and redness where the shot was given
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

Side effects mean the body is building immunity against COVID-19 and these effects should go away in a few days. Encourage your child to rest, use a hot compress on the injection site, drink lots of fluids and you should speak with your child's healthcare provider about pain medication or any other worrisome side effects as needed. Like with other vaccines your child receives, not everyone will have side effects.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. The cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents are rare and have been reported more after getting the second dose than after the first dose of an mRNA vaccine. This is being closely monitored by the CDC. 

It is important to be aware of safety and side effect issues around the vaccine, each person should weigh these usually mild side effects against the great benefit of protection against moderate to severe illness which can occur at any age and in people without any underlying conditions. Long-term effects after COVID-19 infection do occur in children and teens and can happen after mild to severe COVID-19.

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to help you weigh the benefits versus risks.

There are ways to report side effects and it is being monitored, learn more about post-approval surveillance and vaccine safety.

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. Check your child’s healthcare provider, local health departments and local pharmacy to see if COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available for your child’s age. You can also search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you. 

Kids 5 years and older with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not build the same level of immunity to a two-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised. For these individuals, CDC recommends an additional primary dose of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after the second dose, for a total of three doses. Children 12 years and older with immunocompromising conditions should receive a second booster dose.

For more information on booster doses visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Make sure all members of the household that are 6 months and older are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Visitors at your home should also be vaccinated. Continue taking steps to prevent getting sick.

Dosing is based on the age of child on the day they are vaccinated, not the weight of the child, and we know that children are not small adults. Children under 12 receive smaller, age appropriate doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Moderna 6 months-5 years: 25 micrograms

Pfizer 6 months-4 years: 3 micrograms

Moderna 6-11 years: 50 micrograms

Pfizer 5-11 years: 10 micrograms

Pfizer 12+: 30 micrograms

Moderna 12+: 100 micrograms

Yes, people who get vaccinated after they have been infected will benefit from vaccination.

It is not uncommon for children to fear needles and getting painful shots. These tips can help make this potentially stressful event less worrisome. First, speak with your child about all the steps that will occur so they are prepared. Second, give them control over choices can own. Do they want to bring a favorite stuffed animal along to squeeze or hold your hand? Bring a band aid from home or use one at the clinic? Shut their eyes tight or look at you? Third, practice deep breathing and positive affirmations like, “I’ve got this.” Finally, be honest with your child about where you are going and what the side effects might be from the vaccination.