COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 12 and Older
The Facilities for Illness Management recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for youths ages 12 and older. Pfizer was accepted to be used on this age group in January 2022, and Moderna was accepted to be used in ages 6-17 in June 2022.
The American Academy of Household Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC suggest that everybody 6 months and older get the vaccine to guard towards COVID-19. Kids ages 6 months and older and adults ought to keep updated with COVID-19 vaccination, together with a minimum of one dose of a bivalent mRNA vaccine. For individuals ages 6 years and older who will not be immuno-compromised, a single bivalent mRNA dose is sufficient to contemplate them updated, no matter earlier vaccination standing.
The CDC’s webpage, Why Children and Teens Should Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19, is a useful useful resource for fogeys and caregivers.
Path to improved well being
Vaccination for COVID-19 in adolescents and adults who will not be immunocompromised is now simplified.
- For individuals ages 12 years and older who’re unvaccinated, a single bivalent mRNA dose is really useful and can carry them updated.
- For individuals ages 12 years and older who’ve had a minimum of one dose of a monovalent mRNA vaccine or non-mRNA vaccine prior to now, a single bivalent booster dose a minimum of 8 weeks after the final monovalent dose is really useful.
Most adolescents and adults who’ve already obtained a bivalent dose will not be eligible for an additional shot.
Why ought to I get my youngster a COVID-19 vaccine?
Kids and adolescents can get COVID-19 simply as simply as adults and transmit it to others. See the facts about COVID-19 in children. Getting your youngster vaccinated will assist defend your loved ones and others from critical sickness on account of COVID-19.
Different vaccine advantages embody:
- All COVID-19 vaccines at the moment obtainable within the U.S. have been proven to be protected and efficient at stopping COVID-19, based on the CDC.
- Being vaccinated helps forestall the unfold of COVID-19.
- People who find themselves vaccinated are a lot much less probably get COVID-19. In the event that they do, the vaccine prevents them from getting severely in poor health.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine protected for youths 12 and older?
Sure, it’s protected. The FDA and CDC have decided that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines met rigorous security and effectiveness requirements. No critical security considerations or negative effects had been seen within the medical trials, and the vaccine makers proceed to observe security. They do that by maintaining with individuals who participated within the preliminary medical trials.
COVID-19 vaccines have been used below essentially the most intensive security monitoring in U.S. historical past, which incorporates research in adolescents, based on the CDC. Whereas instances of myocarditis (irritation of the center) have been noticed on this age group, these situations are uncommon and largely gentle with signs resolving with out intensive remedy. The possibility of getting myocarditis is way greater in case you get COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine can’t offer you COVID-19. The vaccine doesn’t comprise a reside virus that causes COVID-19. As an alternative, it consists of messenger RNA (mRNA) to assist your physique establish and defend towards the virus. It doesn’t change your DNA in any means.
When ought to I get my youngster the COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC recommends that each one youngsters who’re 6 months and older get the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as potential to guard them towards sickness from COVID-19. In case your youngster hasn’t obtained their vaccine but, discuss to their physician about getting it and any considerations that you’ve got. In case your youngster has not too long ago had a COVID-19 an infection, you’ll additionally wish to discuss with their physician about after they can get their major sequence or booster shot.
If my youngster has already had COVID-19, do they should get the vaccine?
Well being consultants say that it is best to get the vaccine even in case you’ve already had COVID-19. They consider the vaccine might present stronger immunity, even for individuals who have had the virus. It is because coronaviruses typically don’t create long-lasting pure immunity in people. So your youngster ought to nonetheless be vaccinated.
The place can I discover my youngster a COVID-19 vaccine?
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is straightforward. About 9 out of 10 People reside inside 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination website, based on the CDC. To search out the location closest to you, go to vaccines.gov; textual content your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or name 1-800-232-0233.
How a lot does a COVID-19 vaccine price?
The federal authorities is offering the vaccine freed from cost to all individuals dwelling in the USA, no matter immigration or medical health insurance standing, says the CDC. Which means that you can’t be charged for the vaccine. Your vaccination supplier might search reimbursement out of your insurance coverage (or Medicare/Medicaid), however can’t cost you the stability of what insurance coverage doesn’t cowl.
Issues to contemplate
Much like adults, your youngster might have some negative effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Nonetheless, extreme negative effects are uncommon. The most typical negative effects embody ache, redness, and swelling of their arm the place they obtained the shot. Different signs might embody headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle ache. These negative effects final solely a day or two.
In case your youngster has extreme allergic reactions to sure vaccine elements, they might not be capable to get the vaccine. This doesn’t embody allergic reactions to meals corresponding to shellfish or peanuts. The CDC published guidelines for getting the vaccine, which define precautions for vaccination in individuals with recognized allergic reactions to the vaccine elements or had an allergic response to the primary dose of an mRNA vaccine. As at all times, in case you are not sure, examine with your loved ones physician first.
Inquiries to ask your physician
- Can my youngster get a COVID-19 vaccine throughout the identical go to with different vaccines?
- How lengthy does safety from the COVID-19 vaccine final?
- If my youngster not too long ago had COVID-19, how lengthy do they should wait to get the vaccine or a booster dose?
- If my youngster has an underlying situation, can they nonetheless get the COVID-10 vaccine?
Assets
COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccine Regularly Requested Questions
Copyright © American Academy of Household Physicians
This data gives a basic overview and should not apply to everybody. Discuss to your loved ones physician to seek out out if this data applies to you and to get extra data on this topic.
