Should You Vaccinate Your Children Against COVID-19?
According to the CDC, parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19.
At La Familia Counseling Center, we understand how much parents worry about their children and work hard to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. As we kick off the school year, it’s important for families to take the necessary precautions to protect their kids from COVID-19 and keep their community safe.
We understand that you may have questions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and recommend consulting with a pediatrician or healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.
Here are some facts to consider when making this decision:
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022
Completion of the primary series and booster doses remain the best way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, including of our most vulnerable.
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California Department of Public Health, 2022
The agency determined that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks in the pediatric populations authorized for use for each vaccine.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a COVID-19 booster?
Yes – Recent data suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness decreases overtime, so getting a booster can help reinforce protection from COVID-19.
Why should my children get vaccinated against COVID-19?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older. The COVID-19 vaccine is a great way to protect your kids and keep them healthy and safe.
Should parents wait to vaccinate if a child is at low risk for infection?
Parents should get their child vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated can help protect against serious illness if a child gets infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for children and teens?
Yes – Before officially recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, scientists conducted clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines for children.
Can children and teens get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No – mRNA vaccines, like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Moderna vaccine , currently available to children and teens do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19 and do not interact with DNA.
How is the vaccine safely monitored in children and teens?
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor vaccines and use data to make recommendations.
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Children and teens can receive a COVID-19 vaccination and other routinely recommended vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit.
Should children receive the COVID-19 booster?
Everyone ages 5 years and older should receive a COVID-19 booster. We recommend using the CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool to learn when your child or teen can receive their COVID-19 booster.
Are COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens free?
Yes – COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Health insurance is not required for your child to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see where vaccines for children are available.
COVID-19 VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
PFIZER VACCINATION
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 3 Vaccinations Total
- 2 Doses, Three Weeks Apart
- Final dose needed two months later
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- 1/10 dosage
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Not recommended at this time
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 2 Vaccinations Total
- 2 doses, three weeks apart
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- 1/3 dosage
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Yes, at least 5 months after
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 2 Vaccinations Total
- 2 doses, three weeks apart
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- Equal to an adult dose
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Yes, at least 5 months after
MODERNA VACCINATION
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 2 Vaccinations Total
- 2 Doses, Four Weeks Apart
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- 1/4 dosage
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Not recommended at this time
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 2 Vaccinations Total
- 2 doses, three weeks apart
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- 1/2 dosage
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Not recommended at this time
How many vaccines needed? When?
- 2 Vaccinations Total
- 2 doses, four weeks apart
What is the dosage compared to an adult?
- Equal to an adult dose
Is a booster dosage recommended?
- Not recommended at this time
