Updated December 14, 2022
The COVID-19 vaccines are protecting children ages 5-11. We are enthusiastic to be vaccinating this age group, offering them strong protection against the virus and its complications.
I have no qualms about COVID vaccines and am confident they are safe for children. I am also thrilled that children can now receive the bivalent, or updated, booster to provide better protection against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
Is the vaccine effective for my child?
Yes! The clinical trial enrolled more than 2,200 children ages 5-11. The children demonstrated "strong immune response" one month after the second dose. Pfizer has said the vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing symptomatic illness in this age group.
Though vaccinated children are becoming infected with the Omicron variant, most cases in vaccinated children have been extremely mild.
Vaccinating children is our best defense in protecting them from this virus.
How many doses of the vaccine will children 5-11 need?
Children 5-11, like adolescents and adults, receive two initial doses of the COVID vaccine, spaced approximately three weeks (21 days) apart. Some children with compromised immune systems are eligible for additional doses. Parents should talk to their pediatricians to find out whether their children are eligible.
What about boosters for children ages 5-11?
The updated boosters include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19, and an mRNA component in common between the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
The updated Pfizer booster is authorized for administration at least two months following completion of primary or previous booster vaccination in children ages 5 and older. The updated Moderna booster is authorized for administration at least two months following completion of primary or previous booster vaccination in children ages 5 and older.
If your child recently had COVID-19 infection, please have your child wait 10 days from onset of symptoms or positive test if asymptomatic before getting a booster shot. The CDC also says that "people who recently had COVID-19 may consider delaying their next booster by three months from when their symptoms started or, if they had no symptoms, when they first received a positive test. Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors, such as personal risk of severe disease, local COVID-19 community level, and the dominant COVID-19 variant, could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later."
Boosters are vital to protecting children from severe COVID-19 illness.
Are there any children ages 5-11 who shouldn't get vaccinated?
Nearly all children ages 5-11 should be vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child has asthma or diabetes, is obese or is immunocompromised, that's even more reason for your child to be vaccinated. Children with these conditions are at greater risk for severe outcomes if they get the virus.
If your child is among the small number of people who have had an allergic reaction to a prior dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or have had an allergic reaction to any of its components, we recommend the child not get the vaccine. (An allergic reaction can be characterized by rapid onset of skin rashes or swelling, breathing difficulties or other symptoms of allergy.)
If you have questions about your child's medical condition and whether your child should be vaccinated, please check with your pediatrician.
My child already had COVID-19. Is the vaccine and booster necessary?
Absolutely! We don't know enough yet about how well your child's antibodies will provide protection in the future, and the vaccine will help protect against variants. There's no downside to getting the vaccine. The booster will further help protect your child.
Will the vaccine cause MIS-C?
There is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccine causes Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C. This is a very rare condition affecting multiple organs that may be the result of a child's immune system over-reacting to a COVID-19 infection.
Children and teens have a relatively low risk of developing complications from COVID-19. Is the vaccine still necessary?
Yes. Though infections among children tend to be mild, the vaccine is still strongly recommended. And sometimes, children who do get COVID-19 have lingering symptoms for weeks or months after the initial infection. These symptoms can affect the heart and lungs, and they can cause fatigue and headaches. Children with these symptoms may have trouble concentrating in school or playing sports. Since the rise of the Delta and Omicron variants, more children have been coming down with COVID-19. There have been more pediatric hospitalizations and deaths.
The vaccine will help protect not only your child against infection but will help protect younger children/ siblings who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
Vaccinated children will help us lower the rate of COVID-19 in the community and help us reach herd immunity.
Vaccinating children will also help limit the spread of variants.
And it will help them stay safe at school, participate in indoor activities, and enjoy playdates, sleepovers, birthday parties and more.
Bottom line: The vaccine is another tool to prevent kids from severe COVID-19 illness.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Adolescents have been tolerating the vaccine very well with minimal side effects. Nearly all are able to go to school the next day and participate in their activities. Data from clinical trials shows that children ages 5-11 also well tolerate the vaccine and experience mild side effects.
Side effects are possible after one or both doses of the vaccine. These reactions are a sign the body is busy building immunity.
Common COVID-19 vaccine side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Pain or redness at the injection site
Side effects should last only a few days. If side effects last more than 72 hours, call the pediatrician.
We don't recommend taking pain relievers before receiving the shot, but acetaminophen and ibuprofen are okay to take after the injection.
The risk of myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – from the vaccine is thought to be extremely low. No cases of myocarditis occurred among the clinical trial participants.
How should I prepare my child for the vaccine appointment?
- Dress your child in comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm.
- Discuss the vaccine's safety and importance. Explain how getting this vaccine will protect them from getting sick.
- Use kid-friendly language: say 'vaccine' instead of 'shot'
- Let your child know about the 15-minute post-vaccination waiting period ahead of their appointment. Bring a book, game or toy for entertainment.
- Offer comfort/distraction during the vaccination: hold their hand, play music or a video, or let them sit on your lap.
- Read our tips for coping with arm soreness.
I'm worried about having my daughter vaccinated. Can the vaccine lead to infertility?
One myth we are trying to bust is that the vaccine can cause female infertility. This myth stems from a concern that the COVID-19 vaccine can alter our DNA. This is absolutely false.
There are no reports of any impact on fertility from the COVID-19 vaccine based on the briefings to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations' Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. No loss of fertility has been reported in adult women in clinical trials or in the millions of women who have received the vaccine in recent months.
I'm still not sure. What should I do?
Some parents say they are concerned because they heard that the vaccine uses new technology. In fact, the vaccine's technology, mRNA, has been years in the making. I am confident the vaccine is safe and extremely effective, but if you have questions or concerns, please call your physician for guidance.
Is there anything I should keep in mind in terms of timing of getting the vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines can be given without regard to timing around other vaccines. It's okay to get the COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccinations, such as the flu shot, during the same appointment. The HPV vaccine can be given to children as young as 9. The Tdap and meningitis vaccines are usually administered at age 11. Getting any of these immunizations during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine is safe.
How can I schedule an appointment for my child?
To schedule an appointment at a Kaiser Permanente vaccination site, use the E-visit function on kp.org or the KP app – go to "online care" and then select "start an e-visit." To find vaccines outside of Kaiser Permanente, you can visit vaccines.gov and enter your ZIP code to find a COVID-19 vaccine site near you.