Caption (left): Dr. Monica Mercon, with her two children who were vaccinated at Cook County Health on November 5.
Should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Studies found the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective. There are many benefits to getting kids vaccinated against COVID-19.
The vaccine helps prevent kids from getting COVID-19. While COVID-19 in children can be milder than in adults, some kids can become very sick and require hospitalization. Children can also have post-COVID complications or long-lasting symptoms. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was shown to be 90% effective in preventing infection in kids ages 5-11 in clinical trials.
By getting vaccinated, kids are also less likely to get sick, allowing them to stay in school and participate in the things they enjoy.
The vaccine also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. This is especially important as the cold weather forces more people indoors and with the upcoming holidays.
Where can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
All Cook County Health sites will be offering the vaccine. To find hours and a site closest to you, visit myshotcookcounty.com.
The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be offered in many physician offices. We know that families build trust with their pediatrician or family doctor, particularly when it comes to vaccinations. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their provider with questions.
We also know that a lot of families do not have access to a primary care physician or pediatrician, which is why local health departments are working with schools and pharmacies to offer pop-up vaccination clinics.
The vaccine is free for everyone, both kids and adults. You don’t need to show proof of insurance or proof of immigration to receive it.
How does the vaccine dosage differ from adults?
For kids, the dose of the Pfizer vaccine is smaller, one-third of the adolescent and adult doses. The needle used is also smaller.
Kids’ immune systems are more sensitive than adults so even with the smaller dose, their body creates a strong immune response.
Like adults and adolescents, kids ages 5 to 11 will be fully vaccinated after two shots. The Pfizer vaccine for this younger age group is being given in two 10-microgram doses, administered 21 days apart.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Young kids will generally experience similar types of side effects from COVID-19 vaccines as teens and adults — but likely with less severity, says the FDA. Notably, kids experienced post-shot fever and chills at a far lesser rate than adults — and with much less severity — during clinical trials.
When will kids younger than 5 years old be able to get the vaccine?
Right now, Pfizer is conducting clinical trials for its vaccine for kids as young as 6 months old. The trials for kids are split into three age groups: 5-11, 2-5, and 6 months to 2 years old.
Pfizer has said results from the clinical trials for kids under 5 could come as soon as the end of the year with federal review and approval hopefully a month or two later.
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