The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents who are 12 to 15 years old. Since children and teens can be infected, get sick and even spread the virus to others, the CDC recommends kids 12 years of age and older sign up and receive this vaccine. Listed below are what steps to take and what your children can expect:
• Find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in your area. Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you. You can also check local pharmacies, your child's healthcare provider or your state health department.
• Understand your child may have some side effects from the vaccine. These are normal signs that the body is building up protection. Side effects include pain on the arm where you got the shot, headache and fever.
• Remember COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States. Even if you do not have insurance, understand what the Department of Health and Human Services recommends uninsured individuals should do to access tests and vaccines. Go to the following website: HHS.gov and access Coronavirus, then the section titled, "COVID-19 Care for Uninsured Individuals."
