A Seattle Children’s Publication | Winter 2022
What to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Children age 5 and older are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. It’s given as two shots, 21 days apart. The vaccine for ages 5 to 11 is a smaller dose than what’s used for adolescents and adults — about one-third the amount. (For children ages 6 months to under 5 years, clinical trials are now underway.) The COVID-19 vaccine for kids has proven to be both safe and effective; everyone who’s eligible should get it as soon as possible. The vaccine greatly reduces the chances of getting COVID, and it does an outstanding job of preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Even those who have already had COVID-19 infection need the vaccine to help protect them from getting it again. If you have any
questions about the COVID-19 vaccine (or any childhood vaccine) be sure to ask your child’s doctor. Where can you get the vaccine for your child? Ask their regular healthcare provider or visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to find locations
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near you. And remember that COVID-19 vaccines are free, whether or not you have health insurance. Also keep in mind that the pandemic has caused many families to fall behind on their routine vaccinations. Ask your doctor to check if your child is up to date on their other shots, including the seasonal flu vaccine. It’s safe for kids to get other vaccines during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine. Before any vaccine shot, you can help your child feel as prepared and relaxed as possible. Tell them what’s going to happen. Don’t tell them it won’t hurt or ask them not to cry. Work with the medical staff to offer your child choices such as where they sit, which arm they’ll get the shot in and whether they want to watch or turn their head away from the needle. Praise them for staying still and being cooperative. And remind them that the definition of bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway! Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent diseases that can make children very sick and cause lifelong disabilities — and even death. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases helps protect your child, your family and the entire community. TO LEARN MORE:
Visit doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid19/ vaccineinformation/vaccinatingyouth.
