Before and After Your Child Receives the COVID-19 Vaccine

What to Expect and Watch For

Now that children age 5 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, parents are faced with the decision whether or not to get their child vaccinated. If you decide to get your child vaccinated, you are taking an important step in protecting not only your child, but other family members--including younger siblings who are not eligible for vaccination, and family members who are at increased risk of getting sick.  You're also giving your child an opportunity to safely stay in school, participate in sports and enjoy other group activities with their friends and families.

For some kids, getting a "shot" isn't a big deal.  But for others, it can cause some fear and anxiety.  The CDC recommends the following to prepare your child or teen for a vaccination:

• Talk to your child before vaccination about what to expect.
• It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects.
• Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies your child may have.
• To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, your child should be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
• After your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so your child can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.

After the vaccination, your child may experience some side effects.  This is a normal sign that their body is building protection.  Side effects may include:

On the arm that your child got the injection:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

Throughout the rest of their body:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

These side effects may affect your child's ability to do daily activities for a few days, but some people have no side effects--and severe allergic reactions are rare.  Talk to your child's health care provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever, and other steps you can take at home after your child is vaccinated.  In general, aspirin is NOT RECOMMENDED for children and teens under the age of 18.  Placing a cool damp cloth at the injection site will help to relieve any discomfort.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens,visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html