The CDC approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years old on November 2nd. Spring Valley Pediatrics is currently vaccinating our patients in this age group. To schedule an appointment for the vaccine, please call our front desk Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. We are working hard to quickly accommodate our families so please be patient and understanding as not everyone can be first. It is important for your child to receive the vaccine and we stress getting the COVID-19 vaccine at any location if you are not able to get it at our office in a timely fashion.
The information below has been pulled from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the FDA. Links to the primary sources are at the end of this FAQ. If you have additional questions, please contact your pediatrician. We always welcome conversations regarding best decisions for your children.
What is the dose of the vaccine for children 5-11 years old and how many will my child need?
The Pfizer vaccine is a 10ug dose and is a two shot series. The shots should be separated by 21 days. If it’s been more than 21 days since your first shot, you can and should get a second dose.
Can my child receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as others such as the flu shot?
Yes, the CDC says this vaccine may be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines. We strongly recommend receiving a flu shot each season.
My 11 year old child weighs as much as a 13 year old. Should she receive the bigger dose for kids 12+ instead?
No, all children ages 5-11 should receive the 10 ug dose. The vaccine dosage is based on age, not on size or weight.
My child has tested positive for COVID-19. Should he receive the vaccine and when?
Yes, it is important to vaccinate people who have had the illness as well. Your child should be vaccinated once he has recovered from the acute illness and has met criteria to discontinue isolation. Data also shows that it is safe to give the vaccine to children who have already been infected with the novel coronavirus. We also know that natural immunity from infection decreases overtime; vaccination helps to increase protection.
What side effects should I be prepared for in my child after vaccination?
The FDA noted that the medical data showed children may actually experience fewer side effects than adolescents or young adults. If your child does have side effects, they tend to be mild and include pain, swelling, or erythema at the injection site; fever, fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia (body aches), arthralgia (joint pain), or lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). It is safe to give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen afterwards if she is uncomfortable.
There was a lot in the news about myocarditis risk after vaccine. Is that a concern in this age group as well?
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and/or pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium around the heart) have occurred rarely in some people after vaccination against COVID-19 (though it is more common to have it after COVID-19 infection). This was noted primarily in 12-29 year old males. In fact no cases of myocarditis or pericarditis were reported in the clinical trial for children 5-11 years old. While it is impossible to say that there is no risk of this complication after vaccination, it is a rare and unlikely event.
Isn’t the risk of COVID-19 to kids really low? Is it really necessary to vaccinate my 5-11 year old child?
Children are certainly at lower risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19 infection, but they are not exempt from it. Throughout the pandemic, infected children have experienced both short and long-term health complications as well as continued spread to others. There is also the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), a serious complication of COVID-19 infection that can be fatal. COVID-19 is now one of the leading causes of death in children.
By getting vaccinated, children 5-11 years old are not only protecting themselves but also their communities. The more people vaccinated, the slower spread of the virus which decreases the opportunities for it to mutate into a more severe variant like we have seen with the Delta strain. Vaccinating this age group is an important step in controlling the novel coronavirus.
The FDA: Comirnaty and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for my child?
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can change over time. Parents should check current CDC guidance and talk with their pediatrician to determine which vaccine, if any, is recommended based on their child’s age, health history, and previous vaccinations.
What should I tell my pediatrician before my child receives a COVID-19 vaccine?
Let your pediatrician know about your child’s allergies, previous vaccine reactions, current medications, medical conditions, and history of COVID-19 infection. You should also provide information about any previous COVID-19 vaccine doses your child has received.
Can my child go to school after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?
Most children can return to their usual activities after vaccination if they feel well. Some children may experience temporary fatigue, soreness, fever, or other side effects and may benefit from rest until they are feeling better.
Can my child exercise or play sports after vaccination?
Children who feel well can generally participate in normal activities. If your child develops fever, fatigue, body aches, or other symptoms after vaccination, allowing time to rest and recover may be appropriate. Contact your pediatrician if you have concerns about returning to strenuous activity.
What should I do if my child is afraid of getting a vaccine?
Preparing your child beforehand can make vaccination less stressful. Explain what will happen using simple, age-appropriate language and avoid making the shot seem like a punishment. Distraction, deep breathing, a favorite toy, or another comforting activity may also help.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Children
How can I find the current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for my child?
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can change over time. Parents should check current CDC guidance and talk with their pediatrician to determine which vaccine, if any, is recommended based on their child's age, health history, and previous vaccinations.
What should I tell my pediatrician before my child receives a COVID-19 vaccine?
Let your pediatrician know about your child's allergies, previous vaccine reactions, current medications, medical conditions, and history of COVID-19 infection. You should also provide information about any previous COVID-19 vaccine doses your child has received.
Can my child go to school after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?
Most children can return to their usual activities after vaccination if they feel well. Some children may experience temporary fatigue, soreness, fever, or other side effects and may benefit from rest until they are feeling better.
Can my child exercise or play sports after vaccination?
Children who feel well can generally participate in normal activities. If your child develops fever, fatigue, body aches, or other symptoms after vaccination, allowing time to rest and recover may be appropriate. Contact your pediatrician if you have concerns about returning to strenuous activity.
What should I do if my child is afraid of getting a vaccine?
Preparing your child beforehand can make vaccination less stressful. Explain what will happen using simple, age-appropriate language and avoid making the shot seem like a punishment. Distraction, deep breathing, a favorite toy, or another comforting activity may also help.
How long do COVID-19 vaccine side effects usually last in children?
Common vaccine side effects are generally temporary and often improve within a few days. Contact your pediatrician if your child's symptoms are severe, unusual, getting worse, or lasting longer than expected.
When should I seek medical attention after my child's vaccination?
Contact your child's healthcare provider if you are concerned about symptoms following vaccination. Seek immediate medical care for signs of a severe allergic reaction or other serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, significant chest pain, fainting, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Does my child need to stay at the doctor's office after receiving the vaccine?
Children may be asked to remain at the vaccination location for a short observation period afterward, particularly if they have certain allergy histories. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you what observation period is appropriate.
Should I keep a record of my child's COVID-19 vaccinations?
Yes. Keep your child's vaccination information with their other immunization records. An accurate record can help your pediatrician determine which vaccines your child has received and whether any future doses are recommended.
Where can parents get the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information?
Because COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can change, parents should rely on current information from their pediatrician and trusted public health organizations such as the CDC and FDA rather than older vaccine schedules or recommendations found online.
