What are the side effects of the vaccine on children 5-11?
While some children in the trial experienced side effects such as headaches and sore arms, no child suffered from any serious illness. Children have better immune systems compared to adults, and had fewer side effects in the clinical trials.
Is this vaccine different from the one for older children and adults?
The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine that has been approved for children 5+. The vaccine is always the same, though younger children receive a smaller dose. It is still a two-dose vaccine with the first and second doses three weeks apart.
What’s the risk of myocarditis?
Myocarditis is an extremely rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. The risk of myocarditis is 16 times higher in those infected with COVID-19 compared to those that don’t. Also, chances of severe myocarditis in children aged 5-11 are naturally lower compared to older kids.
Does the vaccine cause infertility?
No. This risk has been studied, and none of the COVID-19 vaccines have been found to cause infertility.
My child has already had COVID-19 do they still need to be vaccinated?
Yes! Natural immunity can be very unpredictable and this virus is also very unpredictable. It’s best to be vaccinated so your child’s body is ready for anything! Vaccination against Covid will give them long-lasting, robust protection.
Can my child get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine together?
Yes, data shows that you can get your flu shot with any Covid dose!
COVID-19 cases in our community are very low, should I still have my child vaccinated?
Low cases mean the vaccine is working! To keep the cases low, everyone in your community should be vaccinated.
My child is turning 12 soon, should I wait for them to turn 12 and get the higher dose or should I get them vaccinated now?
Get your children vaccinated as soon as you can - even if your child is just a couple of weeks from turning 12. Children should receive the dose recommended for the age they are on the day they get the shot. So, if your child is 11 on the day of the first dose, they should get one-third of the dose and if they are 12 years old by the time they are due for their second dose they should get the full 30 microgram dose.
Why should you get your child vaccinated?
About 1.9 million children aged 5-11 years have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Children have the same risk of being infected as adults. It is best for your child to be vaccinated so they do not catch the infection or pass it on to someone else. As a fully vaccinated family you can, once again, enjoy travelling, movie theatres, broadway shows, museums and zoos!
Being vaccinated is the best way to get back to our pre-pandemic lives while keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy!