COVID-19 vaccine and children – you should know that

Since children between the ages of 5 and 11 can soon be vaccinated against COVID-19, many parents are planning to go to the nearest pharmacy. And while this is great news, there are some differences in the way the COVID-19 vaccine affects adults and children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the fact that vaccines for young children will soon be available means, after careful consideration and study, that the benefits outweigh the risks. Still, here are a few things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine and its effects on children:

COVID-19 affects children differently

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COVID-19 is rare in children, although it has increased with the advent of the delta variant, meaning children may be more exposed if another variant shows up.

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Although COVID-19 is less dangerous in children than adults, there have long been reports of COVID-19 affecting children, including reactions of fatigue, pain and headache. Despite the low rate of transmission in schools, children are able to become infected and transmit it, so families with children should be extra careful with contacts and levels of exposure.

As with most vaccines, there are some risks

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Although the COVID-19 vaccine appears safe, it has been associated with a few side effects, mainly including injection site pain, headache, and fever. To minimize these side effects, COVID-19 dosages are lower in children, but can still produce an adequate immune response.

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When it comes to risky or weird side effects, while not enough numbers to support this theory, there is the risk of myocarditis, which affects some teenagers who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. This heart swelling condition occurred in boys between the ages of 16 and 17. No deaths were associated with the vaccine.