COVID-19 Vaccine and Children

We know this may be a big decision for your family. We want you to have the most accurate, up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision for your child and your family.

 

  • The Pfizer vaccine study included thousands of kids and found that the vaccine was 90.7% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. 
  • Kids will get two shots, 21 to 42 days apart. 
  • Each dose is 10 micrograms,  which is 1/3 of the dose given to adults and teenagers.
  • Vaccine main page
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Here's What You Can Do Now

Talk to your family doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

  • Your family doctor knows your family and your child's medical history better than anyone else. 
  • Ask if they are offering the vaccine at their office.

Consider the best environment for your child's vaccine appointment

  • Will your child feel more comfortable in a smaller environment, like a doctor's office or the Health Department's clinic? 
  • Is it easier for your family to schedule an after-school appointment at a larger, community clinic? 

Learn about the vaccine and side effects for children

  • Your child may experience side effects from the vaccine. Most side-effects are mild and go away in a day or so, 
  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe, but there are some short-term side effects your child may experience. In clinical trials, some children had no side effects, and some had side effects similar to those reported by adults and teens:
    • Pain, redness, and swelling where the injection was given, Fever, Chills, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea
  • Call your pediatrician and ask about medicines that can reduce these symptoms.
  • Find additional information about vaccine safety and side effects. 
  • Read the full FDA report  
  • Read the Pfizer 5 to 11 EUA Fact Sheet 

Booking a Vaccine Appointment

  • When scheduling, please book appointments under your CHILD'S NAME.

Due to high demand, our community clinic appointments are full. Please check back often for cancellations. Our Government Services Center clinic has appointment availability. 

Pediatric vaccines may be available at your family doctor's office and local pharmacy. To schedule an appointment close to home, please visit vaccines.gov.

It is safe and convenient for your child to get the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment.  You can book one or both appointments at the Government Services Center clinic or an upcoming community clinic. 

 

DATECLINIC LOCATIONADDRESSTIME
WeeklyGOVERNMENT SERVICES CENTER

601 Westtown Road, West ChesterTuesdays 9:00 am - 3:15 pm
Wednesdays 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Thursdays 9 am - 4:00 pm
Fridays 9 am - 2:00 pm
12/1 - 12/8KENNETT FIRE COMPANY423 Dalmatian Street, Kennett Square Days and times vary
11/18/2021GORDON EARLY LITERACY CENTER

315 Kersey Street, Coatesville4:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
11/18/2021GREAT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL225 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Help Your Child Prepare for Their Vaccine Appointment

Needles can be scary (and not just for parents)! Here are some helpful ways to help reduce pain for your child when they get their vaccine. 

Prepare your child ahead of time

  • Read stories or watch videos about what happens when you visit the doctor. 
  • Offer an honest explanation about what to expect. Prepare older children the day before.
  • Describe how vaccination will feel (for example, like a small pinch).
  • Tell your child what they can do to ease the pain (for example, sit still, breathe deeply, relax the arm). 
  • Plan to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes after your child's vaccination

Distract your child

  • Draw your child's attention away from the needle. This is one of the best ways that you can help your child. 
  • What helps your child relax? 
    • Distract your child with a favorite toy or blanket, a book, music, singing, or telling a joke or a story.
  • Tell your child to take a deep breath and to blow it out slowly.

Position your child in an upright position

  • Hold your young child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you (front to front), with the arm exposed.  
    • Lying flat on their back during an injection, or being held too tightly, can be scary for children and can increase their fear. 
  • Older children can sit alone if they wish.
  • If your child continues to move, ask your healthcare provider about the proper hold technique that is safest for your child.

Resources and Information 

There is so much information about vaccines. How do I know what is true?

With so much information at your fingertips, it can be challenging to know what to believe. Whether it’s online or in print, make sure the information you are reading is up-to-date, and from a credible source 

Talk about the information you read with a trusted health care provider, like your family doctor. We gathered resources to help you make the most informed decision for your family. Explore these up-to-date resources and use Vira, the Chatbot, to help answer additional vaccine questions.

Source  
American Academy of Pediatrics Toolkit featuring videos, graphics, key messages 
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)  List of trusted, up-to-date vaccine websites
HealthyChildren.org  Resources created by Pediatricians 
Johns Hopkins COVID Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know
Vaccinate Your Family Science-based information for families 
CDC  COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens 
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 Ava Antibody Explains Your Body and Vaccines

Download and share this video that helps children understand how vaccines keep us safe and healthy. Ava Antibody Explains: Your Body and Vaccines is a valuable educational tool, introducing children to the immune system and how vaccines aid in preventing sickness.



 © 2020 by Andrea Cudd Alemanni • Illustrated by Roman Diaz • Designed and published by Wisdom House Books

Ava Antibody Explains graphic