Q&A with Kim and Colette

Children can now receive vaccinations against COVID-19 thanks to a recent decision by the Food & Drug Administration.

The FDA granted emergency use authorization of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months-4 years. Previously, only those age 5 and older were eligible.

Like with adults, the vaccines are administered on a tiered schedule to build immunity. For the youngest recipients, there are three doses: The first two doses are given three weeks apart followed by a third dose given at least eight weeks after the second.

The Sentinel-News reached out to Kim Morran and Colette Rossiter, who head the public health departments in O'Brien County and Clay County, respectively. They shared insights about the vaccine as well as advice for parents who are mulling vaccinating their children.

Have there been any reported side effects in children who've received the vaccine other than what was noted for shots in adults?

Kim Morran: Children may experience fewer side effects than adolescents or young adults. Local side effects may include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, while axillary or inguinal lymphadenopathy systemic side effects may include fever, fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia and arthralgia. Children may also experience irritability, crying, sleepiness, loss of appetite in infants and younger children.

Febrile seizures were rare in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials for young children. The impact of co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines on risk of febrile seizures has not been specifically studied. Febrile seizures are not uncommon generally and can occur in infants and young children with any condition that causes a fever, including COVID-19.

Nearly all children who have a febrile seizure recover quickly and do not have any permanent neurological damage. CDC will closely monitor for febrile seizures following COVID-19 vaccination in young children.

Colette Rossiter: We are just beginning to take appointments for the 6 month-4 year olds. However, we have given over 600 doses to children and teens over age 5. We are not aware of any side effects other than the commonly reported sore arm, low grade fever or tiredness.

What are you saying to parents who might be reluctant to getting their child vaccinated?

KM: The vaccines go through three phases of clinical trials. COVID-19 vaccines may be new, but vaccines are not. We have been making and giving vaccine for years.

The MRNA technology has been studied for years also. I would instruct them to ask their child's physician. Remember children can have long-term health issues from COVID-19 disease.

CR: We are happy to have conversations with parents regarding all vaccinations, not just COVID-19. We do our best to share the benefits of disease prevention through vaccination and any known risks. We want them to make an informed decision for their child and family.

When does/did roll out of the vaccine in this age group start? How has local participation/feedback gone so far?

KM: We just received the vaccine last week.

CR: We just received vaccine for the 6 month-4 year olds last week. We have already given a few doses and are taking appointments for our childhood immunization clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday.

What are the current booster guidelines for adults?

KM: Age 50 and older should have received their second booster dose. If anyone has any questions feel free to call our office.

CR: Recommendations are different depending on age, medical conditions and time since your last dose. But in general, everyone ages 5 years and older may get a booster after completing their primary series. In addition, a second booster may be given to adults ages 50 years and older and some people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Boosters are an important part of protecting yourself from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. We offer a clinic for adult COVID-19 vaccinations every other Thursday from 11a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments can be made either online at https://covid-vax-clinic.as.me/schedule.php or by phone at (712) 264-6380.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

KM: I would just encourage people to get vaccinated. You may still contract Covid-19, but having been vaccinated, it should prevent you from becoming severely ill or hospitalized. Also, the more people that are vaccinated will help slow down the spread of COVID-19.

CR: Whether it be questions about getting your child vaccinated or determining when a booster is due, our staff at Clay County Public Health is happy to discuss COVID-19 vaccinations with anyone.