COVID-19 June/July 2022 Update: Vaccines for Children 6 months-5 years

In December 2020, vaccines for the prevention of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID 19) were approved by the FDA and CDC for administration to adults. Since then a total of 3 adult vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson) have been used, and a 4th will hit the market soon (Novavax).  Vaccines for children ages 12-17, and 5-11 followed. During this time, no vaccines for small children have been available, until now!

In June, the FDA unanimously approved vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 for children ages 6 months to 5 years (or 6 years) of age, depending on the brand. Both vaccines have been shown to be very effective not only in preventing disease, but more importantly, in preventing hospitalization and death. We now have final approval from the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (a division of the CDC). These two bodies, along with the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, have met independently to confirm both efficacy and safety of the vaccines for children. As a parent you should feel very comforted I the knowledge that these vaccines have been thoroughly vetted for safety for your children.  I certainly feel that way.

There are a loud few who question why we should give these vaccines to children.  After all, the disease occurs less often, is less severe, causes less hospitalization and death and fewer long-term side effects than in adults. But less is not zero. As of now, COVID 19 is the leading cause of death from a disease that is preventable by vaccination. Influenza, measles, whooping cough, meningitis, etc. combined cause far fewer deaths than COVID in children.  Over 1500 children under the age of 18 have died as a result of COVID since the start of the pandemic, and thousands have been hospitalized or in the ICU.  The side effects of the vaccine are the usual: pain at the injection site, low fever in a few, and fatigue.  Specifically, no cases of Myocarditis have been detected in children (contrary to use in teenagers).

My strong recommendation is to get your child the vaccine, regardless of age (i.e. 6 months and above). Please call our office for an appointment and feel free to speak with one of our nurses about this. Thanks for reading this, and feel free to pass along this article to your friends.