Season 2 Episode 2: Vaccinating children under 5 years of age

Season 2, Episode 2,   Jun 24, 2022, 03:00 PM

6/24/2022


Additional resources


Vaccinating children under 5


Q1: Now that vaccines have been authorized for children under 5, what should parents know?


First of all, it might be helpful for folks to remember the decision was made this past weekend and Monday was the Juneteenth holiday. So the vaccine may be in some clinics today, but it may take a few days for the vaccine to make it to all pediatricians and clinics. The safest thing for parents to do is call their pediatrician, or call the local county health clinic, first and ask them if they have the vaccine yet.

Secondly, there are two vaccines available for children under 5. Both went through clinical trials that lasted several months and involved thousands of children. Both vaccines were proven to be safe and effective.

The two vaccines are the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna.

The Pfizer vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 5 years. It is three doses. 

The Moderna vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 6 years. It is two doses. 



Q2: What else do we know about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for children under 5? 

In addition to the clinical trials, the FDA, the CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, along wth two independent advisory committess, reviewed the vaccine trials data. They all agreed that the vaccines are safe and effective.


Q3: Why is it important to vaccinate children under 5?

Parents and caregivers should be aware that while rates of severe COVID-19 are lower in children, children can still get infected and become very sick. The rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 for children under five soared during the Omicron peak earlier this year. It was five times higher than during the Delta wave of 2021, according to the CDC. 

The vaccine can help protect children from getting infected, becoming sick, and potentially ending up with long Covid.

Q4: How can I tell if my child is experiencing a side effect from a vaccination they received? 

Common side effects include redness or pain at the site of vaccination. Some people might also experience tiredness or fever. These are often signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. 

Sometimes people might have other symptoms following vaccination. These might or might not be related to receiving the vaccine. If your child has symptoms following vaccination, discuss with your healthcare provider. 

Q5: Is it safe to vaccinate my child under 5 if they already had COVID-19? 

Yes. Vaccination can increase protection from COVID-19 infection, even in someone who has already been infected. Evidence shows that vaccines are safe in this setting, and the benefits outweigh any risks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.

Q6: Can you share some tips for helping keep young children calm during vaccination?

Sure! 


  • If your child is age 2 or younger, ask your child’s health care provider to give them a sweet solution – usually glucose or sucrose – a minute or two before the shot. Something sweet can help reduce the pain response.
  • Breast feeding can calm or relax the child and has some sweetness to reduce pain.
  • Ask for a pain-relieving ointment. The ointment can block pain signals, but it takes a little time to work, so ask in advance. The cooling spray can be given right before.
  • Be honest and calm. We know kids are smart so take the time to explain what is happening and what to expect. For example, they will feel a pinch, but it will go away fast. Use helpful words like pressure or poke rather than pain or shot. A calm voice can be reassuring even for babies.
  • Bring something that a child finds comforting – a favorite toy or book to help them focus on something pleasant. That can be a helpful way to soothe. 
  • Right before the shot, consider ways to distract the child. Tell a story, sing a song, act silly. Pull the child’s attention away from the person giving the shot.
  • Bigger kids need support, too. Take deep breaths with them and have them imagine the pain is leaving their mouth as they breathe out. You can have them do it while they’re getting the shot. After the shot, be calm and comfort them. You can hug older kids, and swaddle older babies. Hold your child close, soothe them so they know they are safe and loved.

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.

6/24/2022


Additional resources


Vaccinating children under 5


Q1: Now that vaccines have been authorized for children under 5, what should parents know?


First of all, it might be helpful for folks to remember the decision was made this past weekend and Monday was the Juneteenth holiday. So the vaccine may be in some clinics today, but it may take a few days for the vaccine to make it to all pediatricians and clinics. The safest thing for parents to do is call their pediatrician, or call the local county health clinic, first and ask them if they have the vaccine yet.

Secondly, there are two vaccines available for children under 5. Both went through clinical trials that lasted several months and involved thousands of children. Both vaccines were proven to be safe and effective.

The two vaccines are the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna.

The Pfizer vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 5 years. It is three doses. 

The Moderna vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 6 years. It is two doses. 



Q2: What else do we know about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for children under 5? 

In addition to the clinical trials, the FDA, the CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, along wth two independent advisory committess, reviewed the vaccine trials data. They all agreed that the vaccines are safe and effective.


Q3: Why is it important to vaccinate children under 5?

Parents and caregivers should be aware that while rates of severe COVID-19 are lower in children, children can still get infected and become very sick. The rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 for children under five soared during the Omicron peak earlier this year. It was five times higher than during the Delta wave of 2021, according to the CDC. 

The vaccine can help protect children from getting infected, becoming sick, and potentially ending up with long Covid.

Q4: How can I tell if my child is experiencing a side effect from a vaccination they received? 

Common side effects include redness or pain at the site of vaccination. Some people might also experience tiredness or fever. These are often signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. 

Sometimes people might have other symptoms following vaccination. These might or might not be related to receiving the vaccine. If your child has symptoms following vaccination, discuss with your healthcare provider. 

Q5: Is it safe to vaccinate my child under 5 if they already had COVID-19? 

Yes. Vaccination can increase protection from COVID-19 infection, even in someone who has already been infected. Evidence shows that vaccines are safe in this setting, and the benefits outweigh any risks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.

Q6: Can you share some tips for helping keep young children calm during vaccination?

Sure! 


  • If your child is age 2 or younger, ask your child’s health care provider to give them a sweet solution – usually glucose or sucrose – a minute or two before the shot. Something sweet can help reduce the pain response.
  • Breast feeding can calm or relax the child and has some sweetness to reduce pain.
  • Ask for a pain-relieving ointment. The ointment can block pain signals, but it takes a little time to work, so ask in advance. The cooling spray can be given right before.
  • Be honest and calm. We know kids are smart so take the time to explain what is happening and what to expect. For example, they will feel a pinch, but it will go away fast. Use helpful words like pressure or poke rather than pain or shot. A calm voice can be reassuring even for babies.
  • Bring something that a child finds comforting – a favorite toy or book to help them focus on something pleasant. That can be a helpful way to soothe. 
  • Right before the shot, consider ways to distract the child. Tell a story, sing a song, act silly. Pull the child’s attention away from the person giving the shot.
  • Bigger kids need support, too. Take deep breaths with them and have them imagine the pain is leaving their mouth as they breathe out. You can have them do it while they’re getting the shot. After the shot, be calm and comfort them. You can hug older kids, and swaddle older babies. Hold your child close, soothe them so they know they are safe and loved.

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.


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