COVID-19 and Your Kids

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes COVID-19 as a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective.

Yes, it is. And, we are now seeing COVID-19 impact kids more severely, including hospitalizations and death. For the latest numbers on COVID-19 at Carle facilities, visit the COVID Dashboard.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible!
• Wear a mask when inside and around others.
• Wash your hands
• Cover your cough
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Don’t touch mouth, nose or eyes

The CDC now recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. This includes a special formula created specifically for children 5-11. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to wear a mask remain the best way to protect ourselves and the children in our lives from COVID-19. For additional information please visit the CDC website COVID-19 Vaccines for Children.

Children ages 5 through 11 years receive one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are used for children ages 5 through 11 years. COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination. The vaccine is a two dose series completed 3 weeks a part. .

The COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination. Children 5-11 receive one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is a special formula created specifically for that age group. If a child turns from 11 to 12 years of age in between their first and second dose, they will receive an adult dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for their second shot. The adult dose is approved for anyone ages 12 or older.

Vaccines are safe and the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to minimize the illness if it is contracted. Reports of side effects for this age group have been minimal. They may include pain and redness at the injection site, or other symptoms such as tiredness, headache and chills.

Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults have been reported but are rare. For the rare cases of documented myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccine, most recover fully. The potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.

Currently no evidence shows that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in women or men. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend the use and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5-11.

Yes, your child may get a COVID vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

Yes – one parent or guardian may accompany a child for the vaccine.

Carle patients and community members will follow similar channels for vaccine scheduling that adults did. We anticipate this being through MyCarle and on Carle.org.

The CDC now recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. This includes a special formula created specifically for children 5-11. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to wear a mask remain the best way to protect ourselves and the children in our lives from COVID-19. For additional information please visit the CDC website COVID-19 Vaccines for Children.

Children 5-11 receive one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is a special formula created specifically for that age group. If a child turns from 11 to 12 years of age in between their first and second dose, they will receive an adult dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for their second shot. The adult dose is approved for anyone ages 12 or older.

Vaccines are safe and the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to minimize the illness if it is contracted. Reports of side effects have been minimal. They may include pain and redness at the injection site, or other symptoms such as tiredness, headache and chills. Additional information on side effects can be found on the CDC website.

Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults have been reported but are rare. For the rare cases of documented myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccine, most recover fully. The potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html)

Currently no evidence shows that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in women or men. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/planning-for-pregnancy.html)

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends vaccine for all women. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccine for individuals age 16 and above and has advocated for study in younger children. AAP has emphasized the importance of developing COVID-19 vaccine for children because children can get the virus and become ill, because children spread the virus to others and because beyond the direct impact of the infection, children have been greatly impacted by the pandemic with disruptions to learning and other activity that helps develop social and emotional well-being.

The more vaccinated adults and children in our communities, in our schools and at extra-curricular activities, the more likely it is that we’ll stop the spread of COVID-19. Vaccination not only protects your family, but will also help keep our schools, our teachers and our communities safe. For additional information please visit the CDC website COVID-19 Vaccines for Children.

Yes, your child may get a COVID vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines were previously recommended to be administered alone, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after any other vaccines. This was out of abundance of caution and not due to any known safety concerns. However, substantial data have now been collected regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines that include two doses must be given in a two-step process with the second dose 21 days later.

According to the CDC, patients are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks (14 days) after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or a single dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen).

Clinical trials require additional layers of study for children and children were at less risk than older adults, so additional time was taken to make certain the vaccine is safe and effective.

Any patient who is meets the ACIP and CDC third dose medical requirements and is fully vaccinated can receive a third dose. That includes patients who are 12 – 15 years old who have received the Pfizer vaccine.

Carle.org has a county-by-county listing showing where vaccine is available in the region.

You are not required to be a Carle patient in order to be vaccinated at a Carle location. Vaccine is available at county public health locations and pharmacies throughout the region.

Yes – one parent or guardian may accompany a child for the vaccine.

Patients will be directed at the time of their first dose and will be updated if needed.

No. Federal requirements ensure that the vaccine is free. If a patient receives another service in the office not related to the vaccine, there would be cost associated for the other unrelated service.

We recommend those ages 2 and older wear a cloth face cover when around others. This is in line with CDC recommendations. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected even if you do not feel sick.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.

Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Visit CDC.gov for the latest guidance.

The pandemic isn’t over. Talk to your children about ways they can be safe in school and in their activities. Encourage them to follow your school’s social distancing requirements, wear a mask while on the bus and at school, practice good hygiene and to tell you right away if they’re not feeling well.

There is significant misinformation on the internet. We recommend researching the most reputable sources of information, including the CDC, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.