As a result, most people in the United States aged five years and older now qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine. However, for those aged 5 to 17, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is approved so far, whereas for those 18 years and older, the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available.
Is there a need to vaccinate children under the age of 12?
What do the case studies show?
There are 2,268 participants from 5 to 11 years old, each receiving the 10 µg doses 21 days apart. The geometric mean titer (GMT) for this group was 1,197.6, equating to a 95% confidence interval displaying a similar robust immune response as seen in the control group participants aged 16 to 25 years old. This control group was given two doses of 30 µg, 21 days apart, and had a GMT of 1,146.5, which was also at a 95% confidence interval. Side effects observed from both groups were similar and generally comparable.
Expected Community Response
6 Talking Points for Health Professionals Speaking to Parents about COVID-19 Vaccines
“Are children under age 12 susceptible to COVID-19?”
Children under the age of 12 are susceptible to catching COVID-19. Generally, the symptoms may be milder than experienced by an adult, but not always. Over 8,300 kids aged 5 to 11 have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. The hospitalizations have increased since the outbreak of the Delta variant.
“Why should my child get vaccinated?”
Just as in adolescents and adults, those fully vaccinated are much less likely to contract COVID-19. However, if they do contract COVID-19, the symptoms will be much less severe, and the risk of hospitalization and death is also significantly reduced, just as with fully vaccinated adults. Being vaccinated also reduces the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 and may allow your child and your family to start doing things outside the home with better protection.
“What vaccines are available for kids under 12?”
Currently, the FDA has only granted the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine an emergency use authorization for administration to children aged 5 to 11 years old.
“What are the side effects?”
“Can the vaccine give my kid COVID-19?”
No. All the COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19.
“How long must my kid wait before getting other vaccines after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?”
The COVID-19 vaccine can be given on the same day as other vaccines your child may need. The CDC recently changed its guidance on this after allowing enough safety data to be gathered.
AB Med can help
We can help you assess, plan, and implement your healthcare programs and initiatives. From community outreach to clinical support, we have been on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 since the very start of the pandemic. Our experts have learned and gathered the very best from all our partners, and we are ready to share that with you. So reach out and connect. We are the healthcare operations partner you have always needed. Let’s talk.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- Commissioner, O. of the (2021). FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age. [online] FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use-children-5-through-11-years-age.
- datacenter.kidscount.org. (n.d.). Child population by age group | KIDS COUNT Data Center. [online] Available at: https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/101-child-population-by-age-group#detailed/1/any/false/574.
- Pfizer.com. (2021). Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Positive Topline Results From Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years | Pfizer. [online] Available at: https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results.
- Commissioner, O. of the (2021). FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age. [online] FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use-children-5-through-11-years-age.
- www.hopkinsmedicine.org. (n.d.). COVID-19 Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know. [online] Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid19-vaccine-what-parents-need-to-know.
- Pfizer.com. (2021). Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Positive Topline Results From Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years | Pfizer. [online] Available at: https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results.
- www.google.com. (n.d.). how many americans are covid-19 vaccinated%3F – Google Search. [online] Available at: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+americans+are+covid-19+vaccinated%3F&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS971US972&oq=how+many+americans+are+covid-19+vaccinated%3F&aqs=chrome..69i57.11754j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 [Accessed 5 Nov. 2021].
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-vaccines-for-kids/art-20513332.
By: Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH and Aikaterini Papadopoulou, B.Arch
