Kids

UPDATED: Would You Let Your Child Get COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine? Here’s What You Need To Know

• by The Modern Parenting Team
• September 15, 2021

Pfizer just approved the COVID-19 vaccine for kids: are you worried or excited?

On the fence about your kids being vaccinated? You’re not alone. While many COVID-19 vaccines haven’t been fully tested for kids, it can still create a lot of anxiety — and for many, skepticism. And now, with news of the Pfizer vaccine being approved for kids, many parents are leaping for joy while others are still fraught with worry. Here’s why it’s a good thing:

Whether we like it or not, the COVID19 vaccine will help us get out of this nightmare.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps our bodies and kids build up immunity. It allows our bodies to lessen the impact of germs. Like any other vaccine, it exposes your immune system to foreign material.

UPDATE (09/21/2021): Pfizer now applying for an EUA for kids ages 5-11

Looks like our younger kids will be allowed to get their jabs soon! Pfizer and BioNTech announced early this morning that the COVID19 vaccine works well with the 5-11 age group. They’re also planning to file for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and to release the results for kids younger than 4 years old within the year. Here’s to hoping the trial’s results are favorable!

UPDATE: Looks like some of the cities are ready to get kids vaccinated!

Looks like Makati and Manila are ready to vaccinate our kids! Manila’s been using Pfizer as a vaccine whereas Makati’s uses Astrazeneca and Sinovac. While we do want the best vaccine for our kids (especially against the Delta variant!), the longer we keep them unvaccinated, the more vulnerable they are. Best to check with your LGU’s and find out the schedule for the vaccination.

Pateros, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and Mandaluyong are also opening up for ages 12-17. But to make sure, check out their FB and shoot them a message. Or, their official website so you can easily get a slot for your kids.

UPDATE: the US Food and Drug Administration has given the go signal to give a Pfizer booster shot for 5 to 11 years old in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration has given the approval to give a booster shot from Pfizer for kids 5 to 11 years old to continue protecting them from COVID-19.

How does it work?

Because the mRNA (or the genetic signature) of COVID-19 is broken into little pieces, your child’s immune system can eat it up slowly. This is exactly how Pfizer’s vaccine functions. By taking the mRNA of COVID-19 and breaking it down, your kids won’t experience the full effects of COVID-19. There will be side effects but it’s just the usual numbness at the injection site, some body pain, and in rare cases a fever.

Is it safe for kids?

Ever since late March 2021, Pfizer had been pushing clinical trials for children. They stuck to 144 children in different age groups: the youngest one being 6 months and the eldest group ranging between 12-15 years old. Originally, the vaccine was meant only for those who were 18 above. Back then, Pfizer did not have the authorization and amendment for their study to test on kids.

Come late April and early May, Pfizer released the latest results of the third trial. After giving children aged 12-15 years old 30 micrograms worth of the vaccine, the children created more antibodies than the older groups. 18 out of the group of children who didn’t receive the vaccine caught COVID-19. Whereas, those who got the vaccines remained unaffected.

However, those who did receive the vaccine did suffer from some side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Which are, pretty common and usual for vaccine shots.

The side effects fade after a day or a day and a half.

One way to make it easier for your child’s body to handle the vaccine is to handle the side effects. Normally, some doctors would prescribe painkillers to deal with the headache and body pain. It also depends on how old your child is. Bigger children probably need something stronger than your typical. But do consult your family doctor before giving them one. If you’re skeptical about painkillers, you can use hot bottle bags to ease the numbness and pain.

Pfizer has finally received approval!

Thank goodness we don’t have to wait long anymore! Pfizer has been finally approved for kids ages 12-15 years old after confirming a meeting between the president and the FDA’s Director — Director General Eric Domingo. Announced last May 27, 2021, Pfizer will soon be entering the country and your kids can finally have a good jab from Pfizer to be able to fight off COVID-19 when they go out!

Anxious about the vaccine? We are too. COVID-19 is really no joke:

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