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COVID-19 Vaccines and Children

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently approved COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years from 10 January 2022. This follows on from the introduction of vaccines for those aged 12-15 years in September this year. As the vaccine rollout extends to these younger age groups, it’s natural for parents and children alike to be curious about what the risks and benefits are for children.

In this month’s blog, we look at some of the questions people may have about COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Are children at risk of getting COVID-19?

Yes, children are at risk of getting COVID-19. The good news, however, is that they appear far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from the virus.

The Australian Government Department of Health reports that there have been over 70,000 cases and three deaths from COVID-19 in Australian children aged 0-19 since the country recorded its first reported case.

National data from January to August this year shows 2.5% of children aged up to nine and 2.9% of children and teenagers aged 10-19 who contracted COVID-19 were hospitalised with the virus.

On a global scale, it also appears that very few children infected with COVID-19 require hospitalisation and even fewer require ICU or die from the virus.

However, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 remains a major risk around the world and while children seem to be at less risk of getting seriously ill from the virus, they still have the ability to pass it onto others who are more at risk.

How does COVID-19 affect children?

Most children who get COVID-19 have a mild infection that resembles a common cold or flu. Some children show no symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • Poor oral intake and dehydration

It’s important to get your child tested if they show any of these symptoms. If your child experiences worsening symptoms or you are concerned, contact your GP or seek medical care. In the case of an emergency, phone 000 and request an ambulance.

Why have children now been included in the vaccine rollout?

With new variants, increasing case numbers and state and international borders opening up in Australia, more children are now getting the virus.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval to expand COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 5 years and over was based on careful evaluation of the available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group.

Vaccinating younger children and adolescents is an important step in Australia reaching herd immunity and it remains the most important way we can protect ourselves, our families and the wider community from the spread of COVID-19.

That’s why vaccination remains a priority for all, as it protects the small percentage of young people with underlying health issues and also means children are less likely to transmit it to others.

Which vaccines will children receive?

Children aged 5-11 years old have been approved to receive a two-dose primary dose of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine, from 10 January 2022. The vaccine dose for this age group is rtp slot one-third the size approved for people aged 12 and over.

Those aged 12 years and over have been approved to receive either the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine. Two doses of the vaccines are required for optimal protection. The two doses are given at least 3-6 weeks apart for Pfizer vaccines and 4-5 weeks apart for Moderna vaccines.

Clinical trials of these vaccines in children have shown them to provide excellent protection against COVID-19 in adolescents.

To find out more information about these vaccines, visit the WA Health Department website>>

Are COVID vaccines safe for children?

Clinical trials and real world studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines approved for children and adolescents are very safe.

All vaccines used in Australia, including those used to protect against COVID-19, are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure their ongoing safety.

In addition, tens of millions of adolescents have been vaccinated in countries that are closely monitoring and reporting on vaccine safety, including the USA, Europe, Canada, Israel, Singapore and Japan.

COVID-19 vaccine side effects in children

Children may experience mild side effects after vaccination, but these usually resolve within 48 hours. The most common side effects following immunisation are:

  • Pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Fever

Some people, including children, have experienced serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, such as anaphylaxis, myocarditis and pericarditis.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Myopericarditis is where these two conditions occur together.

These conditions are very rare and most children and adults who experience them as a result of COVID-19 vaccination recover quickly, with minimal or no treatment required.

Symptoms can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Pressure of discomfort palpitations (irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or ‘fluttering’)
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain when breathing

These symptoms normally appear within 1-5 days of vaccination and are usually mild. However, if your child does experience any of these symptoms, please seek prompt medical attention.

Further information on these conditions is available from ATAGI>>

If you are concerned about any symptoms following vaccination, you should seek advice from your doctor. If you believe your reaction is severe or life threatening, please phone 000 for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.

For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety data in Australia, visit AusVaxSafety>>

Book in for your COVID-19 vaccine

Illawarra Medical Centre is an approved provider of COVID-19 vaccines and will be providing vaccines for children aged 5 and over from 10 January 2022. To book in for your vaccination with us, make an appointment online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines or your current available vaccine options, please book a regular appointment with your GP to discuss prior to making your vaccination booking.

For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page

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