Healthy Habits: Children's Covid-19 Vaccine

 AP News recently reported that the Pfizer vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11. Nearly 31.5 million doses of the vaccine are being given daily.

 

One doctor explained how the vaccine for children is different than for adults:

 

“Once approved by the FDA, Children ages 5-11 should have the opportunity to get vaccinated. The dose in these children are 1/3 of the dose. It has been deemed safe in this age range. I believe all children should be vaccinated. This will decrease the COVID-19 breakouts in school. This will protect the families and teachers and staff around them. We can start to get back to normal.” – Alicia Shelly, MD, FACP, and Expert at Testing.com.

 

I had a chance to interview Dr. Shelly to learn more.

Why might parents and caregivers of younger adults feel like this has been a long wait for the vaccination? 

-It took longer for Pfizer and Moderna to start clinical trials for children because they were focusing on adults and older children who were more affected by COVID-19.

If parents have concerns about the safety of the vaccination, what would you say? 

-The phase 2-3 clinical trial data enrolled 2,268 children to determine safety. It was deemed as safe

Once the vaccine is approved, what is the timeline for the vaccine distribution? 

-They will start distributing right away when the vaccine is approved. It should be available within the same week of approval. 

 

 

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