Infant COVID-19 Vaccination in Burbank

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Infant COVID-19 Vaccination

In June 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of two COVID-19 vaccines for infants and preschoolers. These are: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine – to be administered on 6 months to 4-year-old children.
Moderna vaccine – to be administered on 6 months to 5-year-old children.
Since the authorization of the vaccines, close to one million children and infants have received at least a single dose of the vaccine.
The risk of complications from COVID-19 was higher in children below 5 years as compared to those between 5 and 11 years. That is why this vaccine authorization was crucial.



Are they safe for infants?

While some parents quickly adopted the vaccines, others are still questioning the safety, and effectiveness of these vaccines.
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are fully authorized for emergency use on infants 6 months and above. These vaccines went through a meticulous research process on safety before approval.
The vaccine testing was done separately on teens, adults, and infants. This is because they present different reactions.
Infants usually have other routine vaccines, parents need to know that the COVID-19 vaccine does not interfere with the child’s scheduled routine vaccines. The schedule for the COVID-19 dozes will differ based on the type of vaccine administered as highlighted below;
Pfizer-BioNTech – The second dose is administered 3 weeks after the first. The Third dose is administered 8 weeks after the second.
Moderna – The second dose is administered 4 weeks after the first dose.



COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Booster shots are used to strengthen the protection gained from the COVID-19 vaccines. Booster shots have been recently authorized for children 5 years and above who have completed the primary vaccine doses. Scientists are still determining the need for booster shots for infants however the shots are available.



Vaccine side effects

Side effects from the vaccines have been shown to be similar to any other side effects that your infant can get from routine immunization. This includes fever, soreness, headache, and decreased appetite. The side effects are short-lived and usually subside in one or two days.
In rare cases, the COVID-19 vaccine may cause an allergic reaction. This reaction is usually immediate. It is therefore recommended that everybody who receives the vaccine should wait for approximately half an hour before leaving the health facility. If any allergic reaction occurs, it can be treated immediately.



Importance of getting the vaccine

The vaccine protects your child’s health by significantly reducing their chances of contracting the virus which could cause health complications. Ever since the pandemic started, children and infants have not been spared. They not only contract the disease but spread it as well hence the need for vaccination.