FAQ: COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5–11
Children 5–11 years old can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Note that the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine is the ONLY vaccine currently given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this age group. (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have received EUA approval for use by those 18 years old and above.)
Here are common questions about Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine.
No, it is one-third the strength of the original vaccine.
Vials are a different color for children – orange. Plus, the administration kit looks different and smaller needles are used.
Yes, with the second dose being identical to the first (one-third strength). It can be given 21 days after the first dose.
Please talk to your child’s doctor.
Clinical trials were conducted on more than 2,200 children ages 5–11 and shown to be highly effective (about 91%) at preventing severe cases of COVID-19.
As for safety, no trials to date have shown an increase in multisystem inflammatory syndrome or myocarditis or a decrease in fertility. And there is no evidence that the vaccine affects puberty.
In the long term, no other licensed vaccines for other diseases have been found to have unexpected safety problems several years or decades after being introduced. As with all vaccine trials, COVID-19 follow-up studies will continue to undergo safety testing. The national Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which anyone can use, also is a safety net to monitor for adverse reactions.
Reactions are similar to what adults have experienced, but young children seem to have fewer than older adolescents. Tiredness, pain at the injection site, muscle aches and fever continue to be the most common reactions.
Although rare, it is still possible to have a severe allergic reaction. This often occurs within a few minutes to an hour. Severe reactions include:
- Breathing problems
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Racing heartbeat
- Having a bad rash appear all over the body
- Feeling dizzy or weak
If you think your child is having a severe reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do NOT get a vaccine for your child if they:
- Had a severe allergic reaction after the first dose
- Had a severe reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine
Note: It is NOT recommended to take pain relievers BEFOREHAND to prevent side effects.
Check with your child’s primary care doctor to see if that office is offering the Pfizer vaccine for children. That includes Prisma Health, where many of our pediatric and family medicine practices offer the vaccine for this age group.
Use the state’s vaccine locator. Just make sure the location you plan to visit has the Pfizer brand for children.
At Prisma Health, we recommend scheduling an appointment, preferably through our patient portal, MyChart. It is the best way to keep track of vaccinations if the vaccination card is lost. You can also download proof of vaccination from MyChart with a QR code in case it is needed to attend events. To register for an account, go here or call our free hotline, 1-833-2PRISMA, from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays to help make an appointment.
Look for expanded hours or special Saturday events at Prisma Health during the holiday season. In addition to physician offices, we provide COVID-19 vaccines for this age group at our main vaccination sites. Plus, our mobile health clinics administer Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine.
Allow at least 30 minutes – your child will be observed for 15 minutes for signs of a severe reaction.
Again, no matter where you go, make sure the location you plan to visit has the Pfizer brand for children.
You must sign a consent form. If you are not the parent, you will need to show proof of custody to sign the consent form.
Yes. Please keep it in a safe place and bring it when your child gets the second dose.
No. After your child receives the first dose, you can schedule the second dose.
Yes, if that is more convenient. However, make sure the second location offers the Pfizer brand for children. Also, have the vaccination card handy.
As with adults, your child is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose is given.
Yes, but check to see if your site offers both vaccines.
Yes. COVID-19 is still active in the community, so stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. Studies that have shown the vaccine works against developing severe disease were not designed to show if vaccinated people can still spread COVID-19 without developing symptoms. Because this may still be possible, it is important to protect your entire family and those around you.
Yes, your child should still get the vaccine. We do not know how long immunity lasts after being infected with COVID-19. The vaccine will make sure your child is protected to the level of immunity found in clinical trials.
Your child should not receive the vaccine while infected with COVID-19. Wait until your child recovers and returns to normal activities before getting the vaccine.
There is no cost – the federal government covers the cost. There are no out-of-pocket costs regardless of your insurance coverage or ability to pay.
At the request of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Prisma Health will be reimbursed a small fee from insurance (for those who have it) for administering this vaccine, be it from private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
Yes.
Continue following CDC guidelines for mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing. For complete guidelines, travel recommendations and answers to your questions, please go to cdc.gov/coronavirus.