The winds have been howling for weeks. One particular gust felt different to me, and I am certain it was the collective exhalation from parents who have been waiting for their youngest children to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The wonderful news is that the FDA and CDC have approved not only one, but two COVID vaccines for children 6 months of age and older.
Updated authorizations for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are why so many parents are breathing a deep sigh of relief.
Moderna
Children ages 6 months through 5 years are eligible to receive 25 micrograms of Moderna vaccine (¼ of an adult dose) in a 2-dose series, four weeks apart.
Children ages 6 years through 11 years old are eligible to receive 50 micrograms of Moderna vaccine (½ of an adult dose) in a 2-dose series, four weeks apart.
Young adults ages 12 to 17 are eligible to receive 100 micrograms of Moderna vaccine (a full dose) in a 2-dose series, four weeks apart.
Pfizer
Children ages 6 months through 4 years are eligible to receive 3 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine (1/10 of an adult dosage) in a 3-part series. The first two doses are three weeks apart, and the thirrd dose is given eight weeks after the second dose.
Children ages 5 years through 11 years are eligible to receive 10 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine (⅓ of an adult dose) in a 2-part series, three weeks apart.
Young adults ages 12 to 17 are eligible to receive 30 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine (a full dose) in a 2-dose series, three weeks apart.
Q&A Time
Here are some of the most common questions that I am receiving from my patients.
Q: Why should I vaccinate my child against COVID-19?
A: COVID vaccination for children will decrease the chances of severe infection, hospitalization, long COVID, and the inflammatory complication known as MIS-C. Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/why-vaccinate-children-teens.html.
Q: When can my under 5-year-old get vaccinated?
A: Vaccine should be available for children under 5 years starting this week.
Q: Where can I get the vaccine?
A: Most pediatric offices and pharmacies should be able to administer vaccines.
Q: Which vaccine should we get? Is there a preference between Moderna or Pfizer?
A: I do not have a personal preference, and I would recommend getting whichever vaccine is available. Both options are safe and effective.
For those wondering, my two oldest boys received Pfizer as soon as it was authorized, and my youngest has been a participant in the Moderna vaccine trial since the summer of 2021.
Q: What are the most common side effects?
A: Fortunately, side effects are very mild in children, and can include redness/discomfort at the injection site, mild headache or low-grade fever. Many children experience no side effects.
Q: Should I vaccinate even if my child already had COVID?
A: Yes! Vaccination is recommended even if your child previously had COVID. Immunity from COVID infection with Omicron may not last very long, and vaccination will boost immunity.
Q: What about boosters for children?
A: The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a third dose of COVID vaccine for children ages 5 years and up, 5 months after their second dose. Booster vaccines can be obtained at most pediatric offices and pharmacies.
Q: Should I wait on getting a booster for my child?
A: No. There is no benefit to delay boosting your child’s immunity once eligible for the third dose. There is a significant amount of COVID circulating now, and it is better to keep your immune levels up.
Another Tool in My Medical Toolbox
As a pediatrician, I am very grateful to have COVID vaccination available for all of my patients 6 months and older.
I know so many of the parents in my practice have been waiting patiently, and some will feel more comfortable taking that long-awaited family trip or enrolling in preschool this fall.
If you are unsure if vaccination against COVID-19 is right for your child, or if you have questions about which vaccine to choose, please reach out to your pediatrician for advice.
We want to help you make an informed choice, and be able to enjoy that deep exhale after your child has a strong layer of immune protection on-board.
Dr. Dan Brennan is a board-certified pediatrician at Sansum Clinic and proud father of three vaccinated boys.
