(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Children between five and 11 years old can now get COVID vaccines, but what about young people who are almost old enough for the adult dose?
WBBM Newsradio’s Nancy Harty talked with a physician.
Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of Cook County Health’s family and community medicine, said he’s heard from parents of tweens wondering if they should wait until their child turns 12 to get the larger adult dose.
He said kids typically don’t need as much of a vaccine as adults because their immune systems are better at responding to viruses.
“It’s deliberately dosed down based on experience of what’s the lowest dose needed to create an effective immune response,” Loafman said.
He said too large a dose can actually lead to more side effects.
The physician said having a day off afterwards like Chicago Public Schools is doing next week to encourage vaccinations is optimal but not necessary.
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