Is the COVID vaccine safe for children?

Currently, the three vaccines available in Minnesota are authorized for teens and adults. The Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for age groups eighteen and up. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for age sixteen on up.

But are they safe and effective for adolescents, children and infants?

Clinical studies on children have lagged behind because, with the urgency of the pandemic, pharmaceutical companies had to put their focus on the population hardest hit by COVID—adults and those with underlying health conditions.

But clinical trials are already underway for the younger members of your family.

Pfizer has reported that its vaccine is 100 percent effective in kids age 12 to 15. The vaccine was well-tolerated and symptoms, when they existed, were consistent with those experienced by adults.

Kids, in general, are at low risk for complications from COVID. Yet, nationally, more than 13,500 kids have been hospitalized with the disease.

Health experts say it’s necessary to determine the safety of the vaccines for kids…  because we won’t be able to contain the spread of COVID until children are vaccinated. Also, a COVID vaccination may become a requirement for school attendance. This is a decision that will be made by each state.

Manufacturers hope to have vaccines ready for children before the start of next school year.