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COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know

Content What COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids? How did the FDA determine the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids ages 12 through 15? What are the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12 through 15? Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the heart? Is there any research on the long-term effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine? If children don't frequently experience severe illness with COVID-19, why do they need a COVID-19 vaccine? How does the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine work? Is there any difference in the ingredients or dosing of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people age 16 and older and for children ages 12 through 15? Are there any children who shouldn't get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine? Can a COVID-19 vaccine give a child COVID-19? Can a COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility or menstruation? How can children ages 12 through 15 get a COVID-19 vaccine? How soon can a child get a COVID-19 vaccine before or after getting another vaccine? What can my child do after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the heart?

In the U.S., there has been an increase in reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in male adolescents and young adults age 16 and older. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is the inflammation of the lining outside the heart. These reports are rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating to see if there is any relationship to COVID-19 vaccination.

Of the cases reported, the problem happened more often after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and typically within several days after COVID-19 vaccination. Most of the people who received care quickly felt better after receiving medicine and resting. Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart

If you or your child has any of these symptoms within a week of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, seek medical care.

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