(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The FDA and CDC granted authorization for kids ages 5-11 to receive a smaller dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine, and parents have questions.
That’s why Lurie Children’s Hospital hosted a Facebook Live Q&A on Wednesday — to help parents better understand the vaccine.
One of the most frequently asked questions was about safety and any long-term side effects.
“We have to acknowledge a limitation of what we know and don’t know because we’ve only been vaccinating for this disease for a very short period of time,” Dr. Larry Kociolek conceded. “That being said, long-term side effects — meaning side effects after 4 to 6 weeks after getting vaccinated — are not something that we see particularly with non-live vaccines.”
Dr. Kociolek also noted trials of the smaller dose showed an antibody response in kids that was just as high as adults who received the higher dose, with fewer side effects.
Another concern was for kids who are 11 years old about to turn 12. Parents asked whether or not they should wait to get their kids a larger dose.
“I would recommend that any child get the vaccine as soon as it’s available to them,” Dr. Jennifer Kusma said. “If that means you’re 11 and 11 months and you can go get that lower dose, I would go get it as soon as you can.”
Dr. Kusma said an added benefit for parents is that the Pfizer COVID vaccine can be administered along with other annual shots.
“Children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines and the flu shot. So, this is great because you can have one appointment and get all these vaccines at the same time.”
Lurie Children’s Hospital will host its first COVID vaccine clinic for children aged 5-11 on Friday, Nov. 5.
Appointments can be made online at luriechildrens.org/vaccine.
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