Like many parents, you might be considering whether or not to have your child vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re undecided and looking for more information, this blog article can provide answers to frequently asked questions.
“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect your child from getting COVID-19 and help prevent your child from becoming seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19,” Cindy Williams, Vice President of Pharmacy for Riverside Health System.
If you’re concerned about vaccine safety, read on to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means for your child.
According to CDC, although fewer children have been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can:
• Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
• Get sick from COVID-19, including development of Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Spread COVID-19 to other people
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for My Child?
When deciding whether or not to have your child vaccinated, the best rule of thumb is to consult your child’s pediatrician or health care provider, who knows your child’s personal medical history. He or she will make a recommendation based on your child’s overall health and medical needs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens. This decision was made after testing more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The FDA also reported there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared with 16 among kids who were given placebo vaccines.
Which Vaccine Will My Child Get?
CDC recommends everyone 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. Providing vaccines to the general public is an important step in helping to stop the pandemic. Getting your child or teen vaccinated can bring you one step closer to enjoying the activities your family has been missing. Children 12 years and older are eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
Does My Child Need Parental Consent?
Most states require some form of parental or guardian consent for vaccine providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, according to a CNN analysis. However, some states (Alabama, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee) either allow some ages in that group to consent for themselves -- or allow vaccine providers to determine vaccination consent requirements.
How Can I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for My Child?
When you’re ready to schedule your child’s COVID-19 vaccine, call Riverside Health at (757) 534-5050 and if you live on the Eastern Shore, call (757) 442-6600. You can also click this link for more information or to book a vaccine appointment.
If you’re having trouble finding a vaccine for your child:
• Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccination.
• Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available
• Contact your state or local health department
Which Side Effects Should I Watch For?
After being vaccinated, your children may have some minor side effects, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. On their arm, they may feel pain, redness, and swelling. Other side effects include:
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
Contact your child’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about side effects your child might experience.
What is VSafe for Children?
If you choose to have your child vaccinated, CDC recommends asking your child’s doctor about getting started with v-safe. V-safe is free, smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after your child receives a COVID-19 vaccination. You can also report any side effects your child may have after vaccination. V-safe also reminds you to get your child’s second dose. Ask your child’s doctor about v-safe and how to get started.
“CDC has reported that over half a million children ages 12 to 15 have received a COVID-19 vaccine in less than one week, suggesting that many parents have made the decision to have their children vaccinated,” Cindy Williams, Vice President of Pharmacy for Riverside Health System.
Article Sources:
Vaccines for Children and Teens
Consent for COVID-19 Vaccinations
V-Safe
