Covid Vaccine For Children Ages 5-11
The CDC reports COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes), and long-term complications, such as "long COVID," in which symptoms can linger for months. The spread of the Delta variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in children throughout the summer. During a 6-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the United States. Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm. COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Vaccinating children will help protect them from getting COVID-19 and therefore reducing their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications. Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19 and reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission.
A panel of experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics recently answered some of the most common questions parents ask about the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. Please review the below Q&A to help decide if the COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate for your child. If you still have questions, we encourage you to schedule a telehealth or clinic visit with your child to discuss any questions you may have.
Q: Why will younger children get a 10 microgram dose rather than the 30 microgram dose given to those ages 12 and older?
A: Dr. Campbell explained that the first trials compared 10, 20 and 30 microgram doses in children. The first few children who received 30 micrograms developed fevers and red, sore arms. So the trial continued with only 10 and 20 microgram doses. Results showed the same immune response in those who received 10 micrograms vs. those who got 20 micrograms, and minor side effects were lower in the 10 microgram group. "So if you have the same immune responses but fewer side effects, then you go with that dose," Dr. Campbell said.
Q: What if a child is 11 years old when she gets the first dose but turns 12 before the second dose?
A: The child should get 10 micrograms for each dose.
Q: What dose should children ages 11 and under get if their weight is comparable to a teen's or adults?
A: They should get 10 micrograms. The dose is not weight-based. It's based on immune maturity, Dr. Campbell said.
Q: Should children get the vaccine if they already had COVID?
A: Yes. "You do get protection from being infected, but you get better protection if you're infected and then vaccinated," Dr. Campbell said.
Q: Are there any other differences between the vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds and the one for those ages 12 and older?
A: The vaccine for the younger group has an orange cap rather than a purple cap. The injection volume, fill volume and amount of diluent used also are different. The vial also contains 10 doses compared to six doses in a vial of adult/adolescent vaccine.
To schedule your child’s COVID-19 vaccine visit, www.cpakids.com