How to Protect Children Too Young for the Vaccine

Last updated on September 7 2021.

There are more childhood cases of COVID-19 than at any other time during the pandemic.1 The good news is children have mostly had more mild symptoms than adults, but they can still develop serious illness.2 While many children may have mild symptoms, they can spread the virus as easily as adults do.

All kids older than 12 are eligible to get the vaccine, but many are still too young. The best protection for an unvaccinated child is a vaccinated family. If adults and older children are vaccinated, it decreases the chance that the unvaccinated child will catch the virus.

Having more vaccinated people helps schools stay safe and open for younger kids. While masks help stop the spread of the virus, it can be hard to make sure children wear them all the time. A community of vaccinated school staff and family members can lower the chances of an outbreak.3

Returning to School

Washing hands often and wearing masks are the best ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among children. Even if your child’s school does not require masks, every unvaccinated child should wear one outside the home (especially in communities with substantial or high transmission).

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all students older than 2 years and all school staff members or visitors wear a mask at school.4 For more protection against the Delta variant, have everyone in your family (even those who are vaccinated) wear a mask at school or any other public place.

Remind your child to wash their hands, wear their masks, and try not to touch their eyes with unwashed hands. If your child cannot wear a mask safely, see if there are other measures your school can take to keep them safe.

Ask your school administrator or childcare provider if they have a policy on physical distancing and cohorting. A cohort is a small group that stays together to lower the number of people kids meet each day. Your program may also try to do activities outside, keep 6 feet of distance between students when possible, and give a few different pick-up and drop-off times to parents.

Playdates and Babysitters

Have fewer people come in contact with your children when possible. Hold playdates outside. If you need to have a babysitter, try to use the same one each time. Ask all indoor visitors to wear masks and wash their hands.

Talk to your children before they see their friends and remind them to keep physical distance. Even when outdoors, it is a good idea to wear masks when unvaccinated children are spending time together.

Vaccinating Kids Age 12-17

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can be given to children as young as 12 and is fully FDA approved for all people aged 16 and older.5 There are two doses given about 21 days apart. The second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first.

The vaccine is equally as safe for children ages 12-17 as it is for adults. Like adults, children 12-17 may have some side effects when they get their shots.

Normal side effects include:

• Pain where the shot was given
• Headaches or body aches
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue

These are the same side effects that adults might experience. All are temporary, and usually last 1-3 days. Some people have no side effects at all.

Researchers expect that children 11 and under will be able to get vaccinated in the coming months. Both Pfizer and Moderna are running pediatric trials to confirm their vaccines are safe and effective in children. Until then, families and communities have to work together to protect young kids.

References

1. AAP: Children and COVID-19: State Level Data Report https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/children-and-covid-19-state-level-data-report/
2. CDC: Know What to Expect at Your Child’s K- 12 School or Early Care and Education Program https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/groups/expect-school-child-care.html
3. CDC: Guidance for Children and Teens https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
4. AAP: COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/
5. FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine