With the start of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 and over, many parents have various doubts about it. At CanaryDoctor we have made a selection to try to answer the most frequently asked questions of the Canarian population. Keep reading!
Why, according to specialists, is it necessary to vaccinate children 5 years and older?
According to experts, children who contract COVID-19 can become seriously ill, require hospitalization and even die. Additionally, younger school-age children who become infected can transmit COVID-19 to people in their homes and school settings. With many children going back to school and participating in extracurricular activities, the COVID-19 vaccine is critical to preventing serious infections and illnesses, as well as slowing the spread of COVID-19 globally.
Are children at risk of getting sick from COVID-19?
Children ages 5 to 11 are at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Also, they may experience both short-term and long-term conditions after infection. Children who contract COVID-19 are also at risk of developing multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a condition in which different parts of the body become inflamed. Children with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 compared to healthy children.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for children ages 5 to 11?
All international authorities on the matter declare yes. Vaccines are safe for children in this age group. Clinical trials were conducted with thousands of children and no serious safety concerns were identified. Before recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for children, scientists conducted clinical trials. The FDA granted emergency authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children 5 to 15 years of age and full approval for use in persons 16 years of age and older.
Based on clinical trial data, children may have some side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, which are similar to what adults have experienced and the side effects many children experience after routine vaccination. These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and can affect your child's ability to perform daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some children will not have side effects. Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur, as with all other vaccines.
Is there a fertility or developmental concern when vaccinating children before they reach puberty?
According to specialists in the field, no. There is no evidence that vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, can cause fertility problems in women or men. To date, there is no evidence to support that vaccine ingredients or antibodies developed after vaccination cause fertility problems.
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu?
Children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including the flu shot, at the same visit. Studies have shown that the side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when COVID-19 vaccines are given alone or with the flu vaccine.
How does the dose of the COVID-19 vaccine work for children? What should parents do if a child turns 12 between the first and second doses?
Unlike many medications, the doses of the vaccine are based on age at the time of vaccination and not on size or weight. If a child turns 11 to 12 years old between the first and second dose, the second dose should be the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 12 years of age and older. However, if your child is vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech for Children 5-11 Years for their second dose, they will not need to repeat the dose.
Is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old the same as that given to adolescents and adults?
Children ages 5 to 11 receive an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 has the same ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, the children's vaccine comes in a different vial. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is given to adults and adolescents cannot be used in children 5 to 11 years of age. Like adults and teens, children receive the second dose three weeks after the first.
Where will the COVID-19 vaccines be administered to Canarian children?
According to the Health Portal of the Government of the Canary Islands, since last December, vaccination can be accessed by appointment by calling 012 or the numbers 922470012 or 928301012. The mobile application and on the appointment website is also available SCS preview.
For the Health Area of La Gomera, an appointment must be made through the following telephones: 822 171 220 (San Sebastián), 822 171 318 (Hermigua), 922 478 530 (Agulo), 922 171 170 (Vallehermoso), 822 171 196 (Playa de Santiago), and 822 171 187 (Valle Gran Rey).
In addition to the agendas set by the appointment system, you will be able to go to the spaces set up for mass vaccination at the times defined for this vaccination system where you will be vaccinated without an appointment until the end of daily doses available at each point of vaccination.
Looking for the best medical specialists? click and make an appointment with the best professionals in any specialty.
