The COVID Vaccine and Kids

Updates and Your FAQs

Over the last year, COVID has become a walking base line to the rhythm of our life. Its unrelenting and steady message - I’m still here - has dominated our thoughts, conversations, relationships and decisions. 

But as millions of us have rolled up our sleeves and posted the obligatory #vaccineselfie, the tone of the music is changing. We are loosening up and looking ahead. We are reconnecting and assimilating. We are continuing to live with the virus, but with a new life rhythm.

We are moving forward. 

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Currently, COVID rates in the Kansas City community are low. At my South Overland Park practice, however, I am still seeing children with COVID. The vast majority of these kids were infected by an ill (unvaccinated) family member, through sports team participation or while traveling to a community with a higher infection rate. 

But, here’s the good news. —> More kids are going to be eligible for the COVID vaccine soon.

Pfizer has submitted documents to the FDA that support their COVID vaccine being 100% (what!?!) effective in preventing infection in children aged 12-15 years without serious side effects. As a result, approval to extend vaccination to this age group is being submitted as an addendum to Pfizer’s current EUA. FDA approval and CDC guidance is anticipated to happen quickly. 

It is essential for children to receive the protection a COVID vaccine will give. This vaccine has the power to prevent illness and suffering, while allowing children and families to press forward with greater confidence and fewer disruptions. 

What are the study details?

Pfizer has submitted promising trial data on a group of 2,260 adolescents from 12-15 years of age. During the trial, Pfizer is reporting 18 cases of COVID in the unvaccinated group and zero cases of COVID in those who received the vaccine. Early reports of the 2-dose series suggest vaccine-induced immunity is even better in kids than adults. Complete study details have not been released. 

That doesn’t seem like a lot of kids. Was this trial too small?

All scientific study designs are created to be statistically significant for the question the investigators are trying to answer. Although the absolute number of study participants can vary from study to study, the strength of the results remains sufficient and powerful. I anticipate the full peer-reviewed paper will aptly demonstrate the strength of the findings with this number of kids. 

Wasn’t this rushed?

No. Keep in mind, the Pfizer vaccine has been given to over 131 million Americans without any significant safety signals. Initial vaccine trial participants were vaccinated 1 year ago and have been continuously monitored since. In this vaccine development and testing process, all responsible and required steps have been completed. Pediatric vaccine trial data is simply adds to the depth of knowledge that already exists for this vaccine. 

Was the study group racially diverse?

We will get all the info on the trial participants in the peer-reviewed paper.

What about side effects?

Pfizer is reporting similar reactogenicity in kids as adults. The most common effects from the vaccine are pain at the injection site, fever, chills and fatigue.

Will there be a phased rollout for the kids?

Unsure. But with ample supply, I doubt it. Adults should still be prioritized over children where vaccine supply or access is low. 

Will my pediatrician’s office have the vaccine?

Pediatricians are experts in vaccine education, administration and documentation. The ultimate goal is for pediatric offices to offer easy and equitable access to the COVID vaccine. Initially, however, we may have to get some help from community health clinics, pharmacies and larger children’s hospitals. Now would be a great time to check in with your pediatrician’s office for personalized recommendations and to prepare for next steps. And speaking of checking in… Now is also a great time to make sure all your children are up to date on wellness visits and routine vaccines.

I’m worried about long-term side effects.

Decades of vaccine research has supported that side effects from any vaccine occur within weeks of administration. In addition, all vaccine trial subjects are followed for two years to ensure the long-term safety of every vaccine.

Does the COVID vaccine effect the timing of other vaccines?

Yes! All COVID vaccines get a 2-week pre/post vaccination buffer. This means if your child is mid-COVID series and visits the pediatrician for a well visit, any routine vaccines will be deferred until 2 weeks post 2nd COVID vaccine dose. Plan accordingly for those upcoming sports physicals and camp requirements!

Is the COVID vaccine dose the same for kids as adults?

Not sure. The specifics on dosing will be released in the peer-reviewed paper. 

If adults are vaccinated and disease spread is slowing, why do the kids need to be vaccinated?

Because kids grow up. As we have learned, susceptibility to COVID increases with age. Vaccinating children will protect them now and take advantage of a robust and strong immune system that will protect them later. Keep in mind, more than 3.7 million children have been infected with the virus and nearly 14,000 kids were hospitalized with COVID in the last year. And kids can get long COVID, even after asymptomatic illness. We have a vaccine that can prevent this direct suffering. In addition, there are 17 million children in this age group. Vaccinating children must be part of our strategy to control the virus and limit its spread.

Are you giving the vaccine to your kids?

Assuming that the peer-reviewed data supports what the press release claims, I will be getting my 14yo vaccinated as soon as possible.  

My kid is 11. When will she be able to get vaccinated? 

Briefly, Pfizer has started trials in 5-11yo and is expected to have trial results in September. The plan is to begin trials in kids 2-5yo next, then 6mon-2yr. Here’s a visual timeline from Dr. Jesse O’Shea. (Follow him on Insta.)

Moderna has been testing kids, as well. The 12-17yo data is expected soon, with data on children 6mon-12yr by the end of the year. 

AZ has started testing in 6 months already, and J&J is waiting for more data in older children before vaccinating kids under 12 yo. 

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A few last bits:

• I’ve continued to be impressed with the brevity and value of the Covid Act Now Daily Download. If you haven’t already, subscribe and follow for the most important news of the moment. 

• We’ll talk about how to deal with the anti-vaccine crowd soon. Until then, the Voices For Vaccines newsletter may be interesting to you. The letter offers advice and evidence to debunk the most popular anti-vaccine news of the week, plus practical insights on how to promote vaccines in your neck of the woods. 

• Want to get vaccinated? Getting an appointment has never been easier. A few clicks on vaccines.gov will find a shot near you. Or text your zip code to GETVAX for your nearest vaccination site.

• All these questions came directly from my KC Kids Doc Insta community. Follow me there for more up to date info and practical advice.

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What’s coming up? Tips for managing kids with shot phobia, how to navigate this phase of the pandemic with unvaccinated littles and thoughts on the anti-vaccine. 

Thanks for getting to the bottom. Have another question? Reply or leave a comment. Meanwhile, if you know of a friend who may find this useful, I appreciate a share. And tap the heart if you learned something new. 

More soon,