Is the Pfizer Vaccine Safe for My Child? & Other Answers to Important Questions

Is the Pfizer vaccine safe for my child?

The makers of the vaccine announced study results in a March 31 news release:

“NEW YORK & MAINZ, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX) today announced that, in a Phase 3 trial in adolescents 12 to 15 years of age with or without prior evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2 demonstrated 100% efficacy and robust antibody responses, exceeding those recorded earlier in vaccinated participants aged 16 to 25 years old, and was well tolerated. These are topline results from a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2,260 adolescents.”

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) approved the amendment to the Pfizer-BioNTech emergency use authorization to extend the use of their vaccine to 12- to 15-year-old adolescents after thorough clinical review.

WakeMed has a dedicated COVID-19 team of providers and staff who work closely with their colleagues throughout our state and nation to fully understand the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. They have studied the science behind the vaccine, including the safety and efficacy in the 12- to 15-year-old population. While the decision to vaccinate a child is a personal choice, they join the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics in encouraging patients in this age group to get the vaccine.

Do Parents Need to Be Present?

We recommend parental presence at the vaccine clinic. A responsible adult should accompany a child or group of children to the vaccine clinic. At WakeMed, we require consent from a parent, guardian or legal custodian for children under age 16. Parents/guardians/legal custodians can sign the consent in person when accompanying their children to the vaccine clinic, they can consent when making their children’s appointments in WakeMed MyChart or they can print and sign the consent and have the child take it with them to the vaccine clinic. Here is the English version and the Spanish version of the consent form.

Are Vaccine Side Effects Different for Children than Adults?

The side effects are the same for children and adults – fever, body aches, headache and/or chills. Some people experience side effects while others do not. Side effects are more likely after the second dose.

When Can I Schedule My Children’s Second Dose?

The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be administered approximately 21 days after the first dose. You will be able to schedule your children’s second dose at the clinic.