COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Below 12 Years Old

COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for children aged 5 to below 12 years old (PICKids) started in February 2022.

FAQ: COVID-19 vaccination in children below 12 years old

With children going back to school, having the COVID-19 vaccine is crucial to prevent severe illnesses caused by COVID-19.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination in children below 12 years of age.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will children aged below 12 years old receive?			2 paediatric doses (10 mcg each) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) will be administered to them 8 weeks apart.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children aged below 12 years old?			The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) is safe for use on children in this age group. Some children may experience mild to moderate side effects after receiving the vaccine, but severe reactions are rare.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children?			Possible side effects are: Mild Mild fever Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site Tiredness Feeling unwell Moderate Headache Muscle pain Shivering Joint pain Nausea Swelling lymph nodes Severe Chest pain Difficulty breathing Swelling of the face, lips, and throat Fast heartbeat Dizziness and weakness Hives or skin rash Most mild-to-moderate side effects usually go away within a few days. If your child experiences any side effects, be sure to report them through the MySejahtera app, and seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms persist or worsen.
Are there concerns about post-vaccination myocarditis or pericarditis?			Post-vaccination myocarditis or pericarditis are possible but rare. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related complications far outweigh the possible risk of having an adverse reaction to vaccination.
What is the post-vaccination care for children?			After your child’s vaccination, you may want to make sure they: Get adequate sleep and nutrition Avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week (e.g., jogging, swimming, or physical activity at school) Be sure to see a doctor if your child seems to be less active, eat or drink less than usual.
What happens if children turn 12 years old between the first and second vaccine doses?			If they turn 12 years old between their first and second doses, the second dose should be the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 mcg).
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously as other vaccines?			Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given on the same day as other vaccines, including flu and other routine vaccines.

To find out more about the COVID-19 Vaccine for children, get in touch with us today.

Resources:

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children Aged 5–11 Years. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm705152a1.htm
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination in Children. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq-children.html
Program Vaksinasi COVID-19 kepada kanak-kanak berumur 5 hingga bawah 12 tahun (PICKids). Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://covid-19.moh.gov.my/vaksin-covid-19/pickids
10 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children/10-things-to-know.html

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