Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use on children ages 12-15, many parents are wondering if they should vaccinate their children against the disease.

Cindy Williams, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer for Riverside Health System, said that the vaccine is very safe and effective for those age 12-15 years. In fact, there have been no reported cases of severe reactions to the vaccine in this age group.

“We are still seeing cases in children and adolescents,” said Williams.

Most importantly, Williams said that children and adolescents are still susceptible to COVID-19 and make up more than 20 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the United States.

Also, cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome have been linked to COVID-19 in younger people and have been shown to be more severe in adolescents than in younger children.

Williams said that the Pfizer vaccine has a good safety profile for those aged 12-15 and it has a 100 percent efficacy rate against COVID-19 for this age group. Additionally, there are no new side effects to the vaccine experienced in this age group compared to adults.

For those still on the fence, Williams said for parents to do their research and talk to their doctor.

“Talk with a trusted health care professional,” said Williams. Parents can talk to their child’s pediatrician or their family doctor about the child’s specific situation and needs and make a decision whether to vaccinate together.

CDC guidance for vaccines and masking in schools has yet to be determined for the fall semester. Williams said that she does not believe vaccinations for children will make much headway this summer and vaccine approval for children ages 6-11 probably will not come until the fall. Williams said that each state, and possibly region, will probably decide vaccination and masking requirements for next school year.

Variants

Williams said the COVID-19 vaccine is still effective even with virus variants spreading throughout the United States.
The Pfizer vaccine is still 90 percent effective against the U.K. variant, the most common variant here in the U.S., and 75 percent effective against the South African variant. Williams said that each year the flu vaccine proves to be 40-60 percent effective.

“Vaccines are still holding efficacy,” said Williams, despite the variants.

Boosters

By the time the fall is here, people will start needing a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Booster shots are recommended eight to 12 months after receiving the first two doses. Those who received their first doses in December and January, like health care personnel, will be ready for their booster shot in the fall.