Where can parents go to vaccinate their children? Which should they choose? What kind of side effects can be expected and how should they be treated? Can the Covid-19 vaccine be given along with other childhood vaccinations? And how long should children who have just had Covid-19 wait before receiving the vaccine?
To help us with these questions, I spoke with CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at George Milgan Institute School of Public Health, George University. Washington. She is also the author of “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health” and the mother of two children under the age of five.
The following conversation has been edited slightly for length and clarity.
CNN: Let’s start with your family. You have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Have you already vaccinated them?
Dr. Leana Wen: Yes! I called my pediatrician’s office as soon as the FDA authorized the vaccine to let them know I wanted my children to be vaccinated as soon as possible. The earliest appointment was last Monday, about a week after children in the 6-month to 5-year-old age group began receiving their vaccinations.
CNN: How was it?
Wen: It was no different than any other vaccination appointment. My children are used to receiving childhood vaccines. They entered the office; I registered and signed some forms, and they received their vaccinations from the nurse. There were no tears. The two children were very excited about their colorful bandages.
On the other hand, I felt quite emotional. My daughter was born in April 2020, right at the start of the pandemic, when so much was unknown and our lives were full of fear. My son had so many interruptions in his life due to Covid-19, including closing his school and not being able to have game appointments.
Our family has been waiting so long for this moment. It’s really been a long time, because it’s been over a year and a half since adults started getting vaccinated. I feel so relieved that my children can now get the same exceptional level of protection as everyone from 5 years old.
CNN: Which vaccine did you choose?
Wen: My children got the Modern vaccine. This is what our pediatric office has right now.
I saw why parents who have a choice can make any decision. The Modern vaccine has two doses compared (with) the three doses of Pfizer, and many parents may prefer to do the full series and finish quickly. The Pfizer vaccine has been given to children 5 years of age and older since last November. Preliminary studies also indicate that Pfizer may have milder side effects due to the lower dose. Some parents may prefer it because it has a longer history and possibly fewer side effects. Both vaccines are safe and effective, and I think many parents will do what I did and choose the one that is most convenient.
CNN: Where should parents go to get the vaccine if their pediatrician’s office doesn’t offer it?
Wen: I would still call the pediatrician’s office and ask for recommendations. They could have a list of local pharmacies that will inoculate younger children. Be sure to check in advance because most pharmacies will probably not be equipped to vaccinate very young children, so it’s important to know in advance which one will do it. When you call, tell them the exact age of your children. Some pharmacies may employ additional age restrictions, such as vaccinations only for ages 3 and up.
The federal government website, www.vaccines.gov, is also a great resource. You can also consider calling your city or state health department, as they may also have temporary vaccination clinics established.
CNN: What kind of side effects can be expected and what can parents use to treat their children?
Wen: The types of side effects are similar to those that could be seen for many other routine childhood immunizations. Children may have a sore arm or redness at the injection site. They could have a fever or be demanding and irritable. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a day or two. Many children also have no side effects; my children don’t.
The CDC does not recommend premedication, meaning you should not give your child Tylenol or ibuprofen before vaccination, in anticipation of possible side effects. However, if your child has a fever, you should give him Tylenol or ibuprofen in the right doses for his age and weight.
CNN: Can the Covid-19 vaccine be given along with other childhood immunizations?
Wen: Yes, the CDC has said that the Covid-19 vaccine can be given together, given at the same time as other childhood immunizations. A different injection site is used, for example, the Covid-19 vaccine on one leg and another vaccine on another leg.
It is very important that children are up to date with other immunizations to prevent other infectious diseases. Be sure to check with your pediatrician to see if other vaccinations should be given as well.
CNN: Should parents choose a specific day of the week to give the vaccine?
Wen: Most children will not have significant enough symptoms that they end up missing school. However, be aware that there is a possibility that they may feel irritated or more tired, and have a plan for the day after the vaccine. If they have to stay home from school, will you have a safety daycare plan?
CNN: How long should children who have just had Covid-19 wait before receiving the vaccine?
Wen: The CDC says it’s okay to give the vaccine after the symptoms have resolved and the post-infection isolation period is over. The agency also says it may be advisable to wait three months after the recent infection.
I think this is good advice. Recovering from a recent infection provides some protection for about two to three months. I think it’s reasonable to wait a couple of months after the recent infection to start the vaccine series, but also keep in mind that the infection alone doesn’t provide as robust or lasting protection as hybrid immunity to infection and vaccination. . The CDC recommends that your children be vaccinated, even if they have been infected.
CNN: What about parents who are unsure, who want to wait and see?
Wen: All parents and caregivers want to do the best for our children. Many parents will be eager to vaccinate their children. I am definitely in this camp, along with many medical mothers I know.
Other parents may want to wait and see the experiences of those who want to go first. He would encourage families at the fence to talk to their pediatrician and also to consult with credible expert organizations, such as the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.