The providers and staff of One Pediatrics understand that families have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for children ages 5-11. Listed below are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions. These responses are endorsed by the physicians of each One Pediatrics practice, following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

WHICH VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE?

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for ages 5 and up. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for ages 18 and up. Even if your child will be 5 soon, or they are “big for their age,” administrators must follow strict guidelines to only vaccinate patients who are at least 5 years old.

CAN MY CHILD GET COVID-19 FROM THE VACCINE?

None of the currently authorized or approved vaccines contain the live SARS-CoV-2 virus, and you can’t get COVID-19 from the vaccines.

IS THE VACCINE SAFE IF MY CHILD HAS AN EGG ALLERGY?

Yes. None of the vaccines are manufactured using egg products or egg culture.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO AVOID OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS NEAR THE TIME OF THEIR COVID-19 VACCINE?

No, you can get the COVID vaccine at any time before or after other vaccines, or even on the same day. This includes allergy shots, flu shots, or other routine immunizations.

MY CHILD ALREADY HAD COVID, OR RECENTLY TESTED POSITIVE.

The vaccine is recommended even if you have already tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Your child can get the vaccine as soon as they are cleared from quarantine.

CAN MY CHILD GET THE VACCINE IF THEY HAVE A COLD?

We understand that many parents don’t want to give up a vaccine appointment because their child has the sniffles. However, mild respiratory symptoms that resemble a cold can actually be COVID-19 infection. If your child has any symptoms of illness on the day of their appointment, call your doctor’s office to see if testing is indicated.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The most common symptoms are discomfort in the vaccinated arm, fatigue, and headache. Side effects typically resolve in 1-2 days. Parents who experienced side effects from their own vaccines may be worried about their child feeling lousy, but please remember: people respond to vaccines differently, and any discomfort is brief.

CAN THE VACCINE CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS?

No cases of myocarditis were observed in the vaccine trials for ages 5-11. Rare cases of myocarditis in adolescents following COVID vaccination are less common and less severe than complications from COVID infection.

CAN THE VACCINE CAUSE INFERTILITY?

There is no evidence that the COVID vaccine causes infertility in any age group. There have been no cases of infertility attributable to any of the COVID vaccines.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE VACCINE?           

Patients who have experienced a severe (anaphylaxis) or immediate allergic reaction to other vaccine(s) should consult their physician prior to making a COVID vaccine appointment.

MY CHILD HATES SHOTS!

We completely understand. Vaccine anxiety is very common. As stated above, the benefits of COVID vaccination far outweigh the temporary unpleasantness. To prepare, you may consider:

• Watching a child-friendly video about how vaccines work and why they’re helpful
• Picking out a favorite cuddly toy to bring to the appointment
• Talking about what you’ll do after the appointment, so the whole day doesn’t feel like it’s about one scary moment

All One Pediatrics providers agree that the COVID vaccine is safe and recommend it for our patients. The potential risk of complications from COVID far outweighs any possible side effects from the vaccine. Contact your pediatrician’s office if you have further questions or concerns