The Herald-Courier

Emergency authorization granted for COVID vaccine for young children



The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization for children as young as 6 months to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were approved Friday, June 17. 

The Pfizer vaccine is a three-dose series. The first two doses are given three weeks apart, and then the third dose is received two months later. The Moderna shot is a two-dose series, given four to eight weeks apart. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that children who have had and recovered from the COVID-19 virus should still be vaccinated, citing the importance of extra protection that lasts longer. However, the CDC has not made clear yet how long children should wait after recovering from the virus to get vaccinated —- adults are told to wait 90 days. 

Possible side effects from the vaccines in children are mild and can include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness and headache. Severe reactions are rare. 

“It’s very similar to the side effects we’ve seen for older kids or for adults,” Dr. Ashish Jha, White House COVID-19 response coordinator said Monday, June 20 on CBS. “About 24 hours for some kids, they kind of don’t feel as well, they feel tired, they don’t have the same appetite. But thankfully, there have not been any serious side effects of these vaccines.

“After giving these vaccines to millions of children, it’s really reassuring to know that for young kids these vaccines are exceedingly safe.”

It has been reported that fever was seen more in kids who received the Moderna vaccine than Pfizer, and most fevers were reported as mild.

“We have been patiently waiting for the chance to provide this life-saving tool to our youngest New Yorkers,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Parents and guardians, now is the time to reach out to your pediatrician and discuss getting your young children vaccinated over the summer break.” 

 

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