With the overwhelming amount of information out there about the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s understandable that many people have questions.
Find these frequently asked questions, know the facts and feel confident when sharing important virus and vaccine information.
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, new variants emerge. Sometimes new variants disappear and other times they persist.
The greater risk of spreading the virus is among unvaccinated people who are more likely to get infected, therefore transmit the virus. Learn more about COVID-19 variants by visiting The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
A: No. Variants are expected. Viruses, including COVID-19, change constantly through mutation, which sometimes result in a new variant of the original. Some variants emerge and disappear, while others will persist.
Yes. There are a few variants that are considered variants of concern and variants being monitored, both of which are more contagious and spread faster.
The Delta variant can cause more severe illness in unvaccinated people than previous variants. Delta also has a much greater risk of spreading among both unvaccinated and vaccinated people. When vaccinated people become infected, it’s called a breakthrough infection.
The Omicron is the most common variant in the United States. Researchers are studying Omicron to check how effective tests and vaccines are against it. An Omicron infection may be less severe than previous variants. But if more people contract Omicron, more could also face severe medical conditions.
A: COVID-19 vaccines are vital to your protection from serious illness and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. Breakthrough infections are possible; however, illness from the infection is typically mild and chance of death is greatly decreased for vaccinated individuals
A: All COVID-19 variants cause similar symptoms, which may include cough, fatigue, congestion, and runny nose. Some variants, such as Delta, may cause more severe illness.
A: Vaccination helps keep children from getting seriously sick if they get COVID-19. It also allows them to safely participate in school, sports and other group activities.
A: The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated for COVID-19. Children 5 years and older can receive the COVID-19 booster, if eligible. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available in the following dosages.
Children age 6 months – 4 years
Pfizer: 3-dose primary series
Moderna: 2-dose primary series
Children 5 years - 17 years
Pfizer: 2 dose primary series
Moderna: 2-dose primary series
A: Yes. Moderna and Pfizer were required by the FDA to prove that the vaccine was as effective in the youngest age group as it is in the adult age group through a process called immunobridging. The clinical trials found that the antibody numbers were comparable to the older age group with a full series of vaccination, thus proving the pediatric vaccine just as effective as the adult vaccine. Along with being effective, the pediatric vaccines are also safe. Data from clinical trials including thousands of children under age 6 showed no serious side effects and no new safety concerns.
Q: What are the possible side effects for children?
A: During clinical trials for the pediatric vaccine, side effects were minimal:
For 6-23 month olds, irritability (65% Moderna vs. 44% Pfizer) and drowsiness (40% Moderna vs. 20% Pfizer) were most common.
For 2-5 year olds, pain at injection site were most common (60-70% Moderna vs. 27% Pfizer), followed by fatigue.
1 in 4 children experienced a fever with the Moderna vaccine, and side effects were more common after the second dose. 1 in 20 experienced a fever with the Pfizer vaccine. Side effects were more common after the third dose.
A: Antibodies from having COVID-19 only last for around 3 months. After that period of time, antibodies from having the illness will no longer provide protection. Being fully vaccinated provides better protection for your children. Speak with your child's nurse or pediatrician to determine the best time for your child to get vaccinated.
A: Breakthrough infections are not uncommon with any vaccine. Vaccines provide protection from the possibility of severe illness when infected with the virus and make symptoms minor compared to an infection in an unvaccinated individual.
