Articles

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?

What are the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12 through 15?

Children ages 12 through 15 given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had side effects similar to those experienced by people age 16 and older. The most commonly reported side effects include:

  • Pain where the shot was given
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Joint pain

Similar to adults, children have side effects that typically last 1 to 3 days. More adolescents reported these side effects, except for injection site pain, after the second dose of the vaccine. However, many people have no side effects.

After your child is given a COVID-19 vaccine, he or she will be monitored for 15 to 30 minutes to see if he or she has an allergic reaction that requires treatment.

It isn't recommended that you give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever before vaccination to prevent side effects. It's OK to give this kind of medication after your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine.

Related Services