COVID-19 Vaccine for kids: What you need to know

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is now available to children ages 5 and older at Kaniksu Community Health.

Here's what you need to know about the safety, effectiveness, possible side effects, and the benefits of getting vaccinated:

Children generally don't experience severe illness with COVID-19, why do they need the vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccine can prevent your child from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
If your child gets COVID-19, the vaccine could prevent them from becoming severely ill or experience short-term or long-term complications. 
Also, children with health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes asthma, might be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19.

What COVID-19 vaccines are approved for kids?
Covid-19 vaccines are available to children:

• Ages 5-11
  • ​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • This vaccine is two injections, given three weeks apart.
  • It contains a lower dose than the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine used for children 12 and older.
  • Research shows this vaccine is about 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5-11.
• Ages 12-15
  • ​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • This vaccine is two injections, given three weeks apart. *** The second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if needed.
  • It contains the same dose as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine used for people 16 and older.
  • Research shows this vaccine is 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 12-15.

• Ages 16 and older
  • ​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now called Comirnaty.
  • This vaccine is two injections, given three weeks apart. *** The second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if needed.
  • Research shows this vaccine is about 91% effective in preventing severe illness with COVID-19 in people ager 16 or older.
  • Early research also suggests that the vaccine is 96% effective at preventing severe disease of COVID-19 caused by the delta variant, the most common COVID-19 variant in the U.S. as of today.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine give a child COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine being developed in the U.S. don't use the live virus that causes COVID-19. 

​Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility or menstruation?
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility problems.
A small study has shown that some women experience temporary menstrual changes after getting COVID-19 - it's not clear if getting COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine is the reason for these changes. Further research is needed.
Keep in mind - many things affect menstrual cycles, such as, stress, sleep problems and changes in diet or exercise. 

Can COVID-19 affect the heart?
There have ben cases of myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in males ages 12-17.
Theses reports are rare.
One study suggests that the risk of myocarditis in the week after being fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is about 54 cases per million doses given to males ages 12-17.
Of the cases reported, the symptoms often occurred several days after receiving the second dose of COVID-19.
Most of the people who received care, quickly felt better after receiving medicine and resting.
Symptoms to watch for include: 

• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. 

*** Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle
*** Pericarditis is the inflammation of the outside lining of the heart

 Are there any children who shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The vaccine is not yet available to children younger than 5, however, clinical trials are in progress. 
​The vaccine shouldn't be administered to a child with known history of severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccines ingredients - please talk to your pediatrician about the COVID-19 ingredients. If this is the case, your child might be able to get another COVID-19 vaccine in the future with different ingredients. 

What are the side-effects of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids?
Most children experience no side effects, however some children do. Children with reported experienced side-effects after receiving the second dose. 
The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Pain at injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite

After your child is given the COVID-19 vaccine, they will be monitored for 15-30 minutes to see if there is an allegoric reaction.
It isn't recommended to give your child over-the-counter pain before the vaccine is administered to prevent side-effects. It's OK to give this medication AFTER your child gets the COVID-19 vaccine.

Are there any long-term effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines?
Because COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials started in summer of 2020, it is not clear if the vaccines have long-term effects. However, vaccines rarely cause long-term effects.

What is the difference in the ingredients or dosing for the COVID-19 vaccine for kids and adults?

• Ages 5-11
  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 contains a lower dose (10 micrograms) than the vaccine used for older children and adults (30 micrograms).
  • Also, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 contain a different buffer than the vaccine used for older children and adults. This is used in other FDA-approved vaccines, which keeps the vaccine stable in refrigerated temperatures for longer.
• Ages 12-15 and 16 and older
  • The ingredients and dosing of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are the same for children 12-15 and people 16 and older.

Where can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
At any Kaniksu Community Health clinic starting November 10, 2021 or pharmacy. 

How soon should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine before or after another vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines can be given on the same day. 

​REFERENCE:
Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids

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The COVID-19 vaccination will protect most people from getting sick with COVID-19. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child getting the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your child's doctor and they will help you weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine. 

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We are now offering the Pfizer vaccine to anyone5 years and older!  
Please call your local KCH clinic to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
(208) 265-6252 Ponderay
(208) 267-1718 Bonners Ferry
(208) 265-2242 Sandpoint Pediatrics
(208) 448-2321 Priest River

Please Note:​

• A photo ID & insurance card will be required at the time of vaccination.​
• We will not administer 2nd dose vaccines to those who received their 1st dose at an alternate location.
  • For example: If you received your 1st dose at Panhandle Health District, PLEASE return to PHD for your 2nd dose.
• Please do not request an appointment if you:
  • Have a COVID-19 vaccine scheduled elsewhere
  • Have already received a COVID-19 vaccine
  • Are currently sick with COVID-19, or recently experienced a high risk exposure to COVID-19