We all want the best for our kids — keeping them healthy, happy, and safe is always top of mind. But with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, you may be wondering what the latest steps are to protect them. While many are diligent about staying up to date with their family's yearly flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccination is sometimes met with hesitancy, often due to lingering questions and concerns about its newness. A study found that 70% of pediatricians discussed and had an affirmative opinion about COVID-19 vaccine for children. Despite this, vaccine acceptance was lower for children aged 5–8 years compared to older age groups (9–12 and 13–18 years).¹
To help you feel more empowered and informed, let’s dive into some questions you can ask your child’s pediatrician to stay informed and help keep your little ones safe from COVID-19.
1. Is The COVID-19 Vaccine Right For My Child?
Many parents have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine for their children. The reassuring news? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines for children have undergone rigorous testing and have been carefully studied in clinical trials to ensure they meet necessary safety standards.² Between these clinical trials and real-world data, the vaccine has demonstrated that it can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications associated with COVID-19.³ Those who received the updated COVID-19 vaccines were 54% less likely to get COVID-19 during mid-September to January.³ They not only help protect against severe illness and hospitalization but can help prevent long-term issues, including Long COVID.³
It’s also worth noting that the risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 in kids isn’t just a concern for those with underlying conditions. In 2023, 54% of hospitalized children and adolescents had no pre-existing health issues before contracting the virus.⁴ This data highlights how COVID-19 can impact everyone, even children, differently and why it’s so important to vaccinate all eligible children—not just those considered high-risk.
While it’s rare for adolescents to have a serious reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to always discuss your child’s health history with their pediatrician before vaccination.
2. What Should I Know About Long COVID In Children?
There’s a lot of talk about Long COVID — and it’s not just adults who are feeling the effects. Recent reports tell us that Long COVID now affects about one in four children, with symptoms that can linger for weeks, impacting their daily routines making it challenging to keep up with schoolwork, participate in sports and even engage in social activities.⁵ ⁶ Understanding how Long COVID can affect their day-to-day lives and well-being is the first step in keeping kids healthy.
According to the CDC, Long COVID symptoms can range from fatigue and brain fog to exhaustion.⁷ Fortunately, vaccinating your child and taking preventive measures can greatly reduce their risk of developing Long COVID. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect you and your child from the initial infection and any long-term effects that may follow.⁷
3. When Is The Best Time To Get My Child Vaccinated Against COVID-19?
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.³
If your child recently had a COVID-19 infection, the CDC advises both children and adults may delay receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine for up to 90 days (about three months) from when they received a positive COVID-19 test or the start of symptoms.⁸ As always, make sure you’re talking with your child’s healthcare provider about the best time for them to get vaccinated.
4. Can My Child Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine Along With A Flu Shot?
Wondering if it’s okay to give your child the COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same appointment? In most cases, it’s acceptable for kids to get vaccinated simultaneously to keep your child’s immunizations on track without needing to come back for separate appointments.⁹ This is especially handy during the winter virus season to protect against COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, reducing your child’s risk of getting sick from either virus.³ ⁹ ¹⁰
Your pediatrician can work with you to coordinate your child’s vaccination schedule, making sure they’re fully protected. They can also answer any questions about how these vaccines work together to ensure your child receives effective protection against multiple illnesses.
5. Can I Get The COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy?
If you’re expecting, data from the CDC shows that getting vaccinated while pregnant is highly recommended. Pregnancy may make you more vulnerable to serious illnesses from COVID-19, which could lead to complications for both you and your baby. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you from these risks and give your newborn some protection through the antibodies you pass on via breast milk.¹¹ Extensive studies have shown that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks, and there’s no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility.¹¹ However, some common side effects include pain, soreness, and redness at the injection site and chills, fever, tiredness, and headaches.²
If you’re pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.
Taking the lead in conversations with your pediatrician about COVID-19 vaccines is an excellent way to advocate for your child’s health. By asking the right questions, you’ll get the latest info and feel more confident about making the best choices for your child. Even though COVID-19 can still feel like a new challenge, we have more tools and knowledge than ever to protect our kids. With your pediatrician’s guidance, you can navigate the changing landscape of COVID-19 with confidence.
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