5- to 11-year-olds now eligible for Pfizer vaccine – FAQ
• Where can I get my child vaccinated?
o The state of Minnesota has mobilized an extensive and diverse network of providers—
pediatricians, health care systems, pharmacies, state community sites and clinics, school located clinics, local public health agencies, and tribal health agencies — to ensure the vaccine is accessible to all 5- to 11-year-olds.
• When can I get my child vaccinated?
o The FDA has authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 and CDC now
recommends that all 5- to 11-year-olds get vaccinated. The time to get your child
vaccinated is now!
o Minnesota providers have ordered as many doses as possible from the federal
government. Doses will arrive in waves this week, with most providers receiving their
vaccines by this weekend.
• Is this a different vaccine than for 12 years and older?
o The Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds is a smaller than the dose for people age 12 and
older. This meets the unique needs of 5- to 11-year-olds. In clinical trials, this pediatric
vaccine was shown to be safe and provide very good protection against severe disease.
• Is the vaccine safe?
o The Pfizer vaccine has been carefully studied in children age 5-11, just like all vaccines
were for people 12 and older. This process is called a clinical trial and all authorized vaccines have gone through it. Only vaccines shown to be safe and effective are authorized to be used.
o The Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds was determined to be 90.7% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 disease.
o According to the FDA review of Pfizer data, there were no reports of myocarditis/pericarditis, anaphylaxis, or deaths.
o Common, mild side effects were less common in the 5- to 11-year-olds in the trial compared 16- to 25-year-olds.
o The Pfizer vaccine for children age 5-11 is a smaller dose than what is administered to people age 12 and up. This helps meet the unique needs of younger children. The current Pfizer vaccine for 12 and up cannot be used for 5-11.
o If you have questions about vaccines, your pediatrician or family physician can be an excellent source of information.
o You can also get more information from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Why should I get my child vaccinated?
o Children can get very sick from COVID-19. From July 1 through October 26, there have
been more than 45,200 pediatric cases and more than 300 child hospitalizations related
to COVID-19 in Minnesota.
o Serious COVID-19 cases can occur in healthy children (about 25% of COVID pediatric
deaths have occurred in healthy children) and common underlying conditions like asthma and obesity can put kids at an even greater risk of severe illness.
o COVID-19 can also have long-term consequences. Thousands of children have been diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, in the U.S. with about 100 cases in Minnesota. Some of these children need ICU level care.
o Getting your child vaccinated is the best way to protect them and the people around them. Vaccination will also:
Reduce the amount of time kids need to be quarantined and out of school. Help your child stay safe during school, sports, and other social activities.
Give you comfort knowing your child is protected from severe COVID-19 illness. Help protect other vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.
• Do I have to vaccinate my child? Is it mandatory for school?
o COVID-19 vaccination is not included in the School Immunization Law. There are many
benefits to vaccination to help protect your child and the people around them. The
Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds has been shown to be safe and effective.
• Can my child get their COVID-19 shot with other vaccines such as flu shot?
o Yes, if your child is due for other vaccines, such as the flu shot, talk to your child’s
provider. They can get other vaccines at the same time as their COVID-19 shot.
• Will my child have side effects? What can I expect?
o Your child may have some side effects after vaccination, which are normal signs that
their body is building protection. It is OK if they do not have side effects. In fact, data is showing that side effects are less common in children age 5 to 11 years old compared to older children/adults.
o Side effects are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. Side effects can include pain, redness, or swelling where they got the shot; tiredness; headache; muscle pain; chills; fever; or nausea.
• Will it take 6 weeks from start to end for my child to be considered fully vaccinated?
o Children age 5-11 will need two doses of the Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds for the
best protection. The two doses should be separated by three weeks. Your child will be
considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive their second dose.
• Will my child have any restrictions or limitations after they are vaccinated?
o As with people age 12 and older, children who are fully vaccinated should follow current
public health recommendations for when to wear masks, get tested, stay socially distant, etc. even after they have been vaccinated. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, but while the virus is still spreading widely, these other prevention measures are still important for everyone to follow.
• Are there going to be any incentives for 5- to 11-year-olds to get vaccinated?
o There is not a state program for incentives for 5- to 11-year-olds at this time.
o Parents of children age 12-17 can check out the “Kids Deserve a Shot” incentive
program.
• Will there be Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine for children?
o Clinical trials are underway for use of these other vaccines in younger age groups. As we
know of new data, we will share more information with families.