The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is approved for children ages 5 and older.
Key details on this vaccine:
- FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorization for 5 through 11 years of age.
- Primary series of 2 doses (0.2mL each) given 21 days apart.
- Common side effects can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, along with tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea.
- Your child may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including flu vaccine, at the same time.
- Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Learn more about how mRNA vaccines, like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, work.
- Additional details on the vaccine can be found here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Dosage for Children and Teens
There are some differences in the dosage amount between patients ages 5-11 and patients 12+:
- Adolescents ages 12 years and older receive the same dosage of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as adults.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, children ages 5 through 11 years cannot get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine given to adults and adolescents. In addition, children ages 5 through 11 years receive an age-appropriate dose that is one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are also used for children ages 5 through 11 years.
- Unlike many medications, COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination.
- Your child will need a second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine three weeks after their first shot.
Preparing Children and Teens for Vaccination
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to any other routine vaccination. Here’s what you should expect and prepare your child for:
- It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects.
- Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies your child may have.
- To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, your child should be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
- After your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so your child can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.
How Can You Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Qualifying patients can receive a booster vaccine by walking in at the COVID Vaccine Clinic, calling (573) 556-7745, or booking online here.
Walk-In
The COVID Vaccine Clinic is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., located on the second floor of the JCMG Medical Building at 1241 W Stadium Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Calling
You can sign up for an appointment by calling our COVID Vaccine Clinic at (573) 556-7745.
Signing Up – Online
Go to https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/AGNVY0 and follow the instructions.
What Else Should I Know?
- Patients with compromised immune systems may still be at risk for COVID-19, even with the additional vaccine dose. They should continue to take precautions, including wearing masks, avoiding crowded, indoor, poorly ventilated places that are higher risk for spreading COVID-19, and practicing good hand hygiene.
- Vaccine supply at JCMG remains strong and we are well prepared to administer booster doses to our patients.
