COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for children aged 5 to below 12 years old (PICKids) started in February
2022.
FAQ: COVID-19 vaccination in children below 12 years old
With children going back to school, having the COVID-19 vaccine is crucial to prevent severe illnesses caused by COVID-19.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination in children below 12 years of age.
Which COVID-19 vaccine will children aged below 12 years old receive? | 2 paediatric doses (10 mcg each) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) will be administered to them 8 weeks apart. |
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Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children aged below 12 years old? | The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) is safe for use on children in this age group. Some children may experience mild to moderate side effects after receiving the vaccine, but severe reactions are rare. |
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What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children? | Possible side effects are:
Mild
- Mild fever
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
- Tiredness
- Feeling unwell
Moderate
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Shivering
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Swelling lymph nodes
Severe
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, and throat
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness and weakness
- Hives or skin rash
Most mild-to-moderate side effects usually go away within a few days. If your child experiences any side effects, be sure to report them through the MySejahtera app, and seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Are there concerns about post-vaccination myocarditis or pericarditis?
| Post-vaccination myocarditis or pericarditis are possible but rare. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related complications far outweigh the possible risk of having an adverse reaction to vaccination.
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What is the post-vaccination care for children? | After your child’s vaccination, you may want to make sure they:
- Get adequate sleep and nutrition
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week (e.g., jogging, swimming, or physical activity at school)
Be sure to see a doctor if your child seems to be less active, eat or drink less than usual.
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What happens if children turn 12 years old between the first and second vaccine doses? | If they turn 12 years old between their first and second doses, the second dose should be the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 mcg).
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Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously as other vaccines? | Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given on the same day as other vaccines, including flu and other routine vaccines.
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To find out more about the COVID-19 Vaccine for children, get in touch with us today.
Resources:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children Aged 5–11 Years. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm705152a1.htm
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination in Children. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq-children.html
- Program Vaksinasi COVID-19 kepada kanak-kanak berumur 5 hingga bawah 12 tahun (PICKids). Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://covid-19.moh.gov.my/vaksin-covid-19/pickids
- 10 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children. Accessed February 10, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children/10-things-to-know.html