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COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Care Instructions

Overview

The COVID-19 vaccine can help protect your child from getting very sick from COVID-19, a disease caused by a type of coronavirus. COVID-19 can cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or long-term health problems.

If your child gets COVID-19, their symptoms will probably be less severe than if they didn't get the vaccine. Getting vaccinated helps keep your child from missing school, day care, sports, and other events. Your child can't get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

The number of doses your child needs can depend on their age, their health, which vaccine they get, and whether updated vaccines are recommended. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you how to stay up-to-date on your child's vaccines.

Your child may get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time they get other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.

What are the side effects?

Your child might not have side effects. But if there are side effects, they'll probably be like those of other vaccines, including:

  • A fever.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Feeling very tired.

This is normal. The body is building protection against COVID-19.

Your child may have other side effects, including:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Crankiness or crying.
  • Chills.
  • A headache.
  • Pain, redness, a rash, or swelling in the arm or leg where they had the vaccine.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit of the arm or in the groin area of the leg where they had the vaccine.

Side effects will likely go away in a few days.

If you think that your child has been exposed to COVID-19 or if they have symptoms like a cough, trouble breathing, a sore throat, or a runny nose, call your child's doctor. These aren't vaccine side effects. Your child needs a COVID-19 test.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • If your child has a sore arm or a fever after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, ask their doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on your child's sore arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
  • If your child has side effects, such as a fever, be sure they get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids.

When should you call for help?

Call 911anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if after getting the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Your child has symptoms of a severe reaction to the vaccine. Symptoms of a severe reaction may include:
    • Severe trouble breathing.
    • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over your child's body.
    • Severe lightheadedness.
    • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Contact your child's doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has one or more of these symptoms within a few weeks of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Chest pain.
    • New and ongoing crying or fussiness.
    • Loss of appetite or poor feeding in a baby age 6 months or older.
    • Acting more tired than usual.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your child's doctor if your child has any problems.

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