What Parents Need to Know about the Pfizer Vaccine for Children 5 to 11

As COVID-19 continues to spread unpredictably in our communities, a vaccine is now available for 28 million children ages 5 to 11 across the United States.   

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved under emergency use authorization (EUA) the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. 

To help parents and caregivers stay informed, below is information on the Pfizer vaccine and what they can expect. 

Is the Vaccine Safe? 

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Scientific data has shown that COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA can help prevent serious complications from the virus, hospitalizations and even death. The children’s vaccine from Pfizer has shown to be 90.7 percent effective in preventing COVID-19, and its benefits significantly outweigh any potential risks, which have been identified as minimal compared with the risks associated with.

How is the Vaccine Administered? 

The Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is administered in two separate doses, three weeks apart. Children in this age range receive a lower dose (10 micrograms) than individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms).

What are the Risks? 

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, children may experience some common side effects, similar to that of individuals 12 and older, that typically go away after a few days. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The most common side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine may include redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills and joint pain. 

Why Getting Vaccinated is Important? 

COVID-19 cases in children 5 to 11 years old make up 39 percent of cases in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 8,300 of those COVID-19 cases resulted in hospitalization. So far, more than 690 children under 18 years old have died of COVID-19, including 146 deaths in the 5 to 11 age group.  

Does BayCare Offer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children? 

The FDA’s emergency use approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is great news as we continue the fight against COVID-19. As one of the leading children's hospital in the Tampa Bay area, BayCare's St. Joseph's Children's Hospital is working on a plan to support vaccinations for our pediatric patients and will share details soon. At this time, BayCare urges every person who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and help our community move past this pandemic. 

For more information, visit BayCare.org/Coronavirus.