COVID Vaccines in Palo Alto, CA
These days, our main focus is on protecting ourselves and those we love from Covid-19. This past year and a half we’ve seen unprecedented challenges, but with the rollout of vaccines, we are also seeing hope. Of course, we also know that there is a lot of information out there (and it’s constantly changing) about whether or not children and teens can get vaccinated. Here’s what you should know about your child and the Covid-19 vaccine.
Yes, Kids Can Get Covid-19, Too!
While Covid-19 infections among children haven’t been as severe as adults, children can still become infected and also spread this infection to others who may deal with severe complications as a result. This is why it’s so important that everyone, including children and teens, practices good hygiene and social distancing, wear masks, and gets vaccinated if they can.
Kids 12 Years and Older
The CDC recommends that any child 12 years and older get the Covid-19 vaccine to protect them and others around them from infection. This vaccine is one of the best tools that we have right now for preventing serious health complications and hospitalizations due to the Covid-19 infection. Kids over 12 years old that are fully vaccinated will also be able to resume all activities that they enjoyed before the pandemic, which is another benefit to getting vaccinated. Right now, only the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children 12 years and older.
What to Expect
It’s important to note that your child will require two doses of the Pfizer vaccine (just like adults). This means that your child will not be fully protected after just the first shot. The second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is administered about three weeks after the first dose. It’s two weeks after the second dose that children, teens, and adults are considered fully protected from Covid-19.
Children Under 12 Years Old
At this time no Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for children under 12 years old; however, it is possible that the Covid-19 vaccine could be approved for emergency use in children under 12 years old by winter. Several trials and tests need to be performed first before the FDA can approve the vaccine for children under 12.
We understand that there is a lot of information (and misinformation) out there. We also know that this information is constantly changing.