Children 6 Months to under 5 Years of Age – COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine was approved by Health Canada on July 14, 2022 for children 6 months to 5 years of age. It consists of two doses given at least eight weeks apart. It is very important to get both doses of the vaccine.

For information on the vaccine, please see theGovernment of Canadas website.

Visit the Get the Shotpage to book an appointment. The vaccine will be made available, free of cost, for anyone in Newfoundland and Labrador, regardless of their immigration and/or residency status. This includes refugee claimants, dependent children of temporary residents, undocumented residents, and residents with lapsed legal status.

Please see below for resources and frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

How does the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work?

Using the metaphor of a recipe or instruction manual is a great way to describe how mRNA works. The vaccine sends an instruction manual to your cells to make a specific protein thats on the outside of the COVID-19 virus, the spike protein, and then that, in turn, has your body make the antibodies against the spike protein. Once that recipe is used, its no longer in your body. Its kind of like when you searched online for that perfect recipe to bake cookies, and then you cant find that online recipe anymore. The vaccine doesnt go into the very centre of the cell, what we call the nucleus. It doesnt join your DNA, your own recipe for your body and yourself.

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from COVID-19. Learn how mRNA vaccines work like invisible coaches to teach your childs immune system to recognize the virus:

COVID-19 and kids: How mRNA vaccines work video

What age groups are offered the vaccine?

Please note that the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) is preferred for children who are 5 years of age. For more information on that vaccine, please visit: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5 to 11 Years of Age

I have a 4 year old child, should we wait until they turn 5 years old to get the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine? Or get the Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) now?

It is recommended your child get the vaccine at the time that it is offered according to their age. Children who receive the Moderna Spikevax (25mcg) dose for their first COVID-19 immunization and who have turned 5 years of age by the time they receive their second COVID-19 immunization should be given the Moderna Spikevax for their second dose. The second vaccine should be booked at least eight weeks after the first dose.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine approved for children 6 months to 5 years of age differ from the vaccine given to older age groups and adults?

The Moderna Spikevax COVID vaccine for this age group (25 mcg) is half the dosage of Moderna Spikevax (50 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine offered to children 6 to 11 years of age, and one quarter of the dosage of Moderna Spikevax (100 mcg) offered to adults 18 years and older.

Can my child get COVID-19 from the COVID-19 shot?

No. You cant get any virus from this vaccine.

My child had a COVID-19 infection, do they still need the vaccine?

Yes. People can get the sick from COVID-19 more than once but the vaccine may prevent that. Although having the virus may provide some protection from getting sick again, we do not know how long that protection lasts.

If your child had a recent COVID-19 infection, they can get vaccinated when they are considered recovered, and their symptoms should be completely resolved. To boost their immune response, you can wait at least 8 weeks after recovery before getting a first or second dose. You can talk with your health care provider about the best time to receive the next dose.

My child is immunocompromised, should they get the vaccine?

Yes, however, your child may have a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine series. Your child may receive a three dose primary series of the Moderna Spikevax (25mcg) vaccine to boost their immune response. If you are unsure about your childs medical condition, you can discuss with your health care provider.

Would getting the COVID-19 vaccine protect me if my child gets COVID-19?

Parents/guardians, household family members and others who come into close contact with a child who is infected with COVID-19 can become infected with the virus themselves. Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduces your risk of becoming infected with the virus and experiencing severe illness from the virus should you become infected.

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What is informed consent?

Informed consentmeans that you agree to receive the vaccine (or agree for your child to receive the vaccine) and understand the risks of receiving the vaccine and the risks if you or your child do not receive the vaccine. You will be provided information on the vaccine and should ask the nurse any questions you may have before you or your child receive the vaccine.

Will my child be vaccinated for COVID-19 without my consent?

No. As with all immunizations, a parent or guardian must provide consent before their child can be vaccinated for COVID-19.

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Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

COVID-19 vaccines will only be used in Newfoundland and Labrador if they are approved by Health Canada, and the evidence shows that they are safe, effective, of good quality, and demonstrates that the benefits of using it outweighs the risks. For more information on Health Canadas review process for COVID-19 vaccines, please see theGovernment of Canadas website.

COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly. How do I know they are safe?

The reason that the COVID-19 vaccines were made so quickly is because governments, public health authorities, and manufacturers around the world made them a priority. All new vaccines have to go througha very specific and scientifically strict process of testing and reviewto make sure they are safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines went through the very same processes.

Are there specific concerns for children 6 months to 5 years of age getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

No. Clinical trial data show that Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine was well tolerated in children 6 months to 5 years of age. No safety signals were reported in the trial. For more information visit: NACI statement Recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 5 years of age (canada.ca)

Who should not receive the vaccine?

You should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you have:

If you have a fever, or are sick with COVID-19 symptoms you need to delay your vaccination. Once your symptoms subside you can proceed with getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older.

If you are currently experiencing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) or if it has been less than 90 days since your diagnosis, you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are under active care for myocarditis (unrelated to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination), you should consult your health care provider.

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How will my child receive their COVID-19 vaccine?

Check with your Regional Health Authority for specific information or review theGet the Shotpage.

Will I be able to choose which vaccine my child receives?

Currently there is only one Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to under 5 years of age. Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) was approved by Health Canada for this age group on July 14, 2022.

Children who are 5 years of age may receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) vaccine or the Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg) vaccine is preferred for children who are 5 years of age.

How can I prepare my child for the COVID-19 vaccine appointment, especially if they are afraid of needles?

It is common for children to experience vaccine fear and anxiety around immunization. There are many resources available to help prepare you and your child for their appointment:

Can I get my child immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their scheduled childhood vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older.

Should we talk to our health care provider before getting the vaccine?

If your child is immunocompromised, has an autoimmune disorder, a bleeding disorder, uses blood thinner medication, or has any other underlying medical condition you may also consult with your health care provider before getting vaccinated.

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What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Side effects can develop in the few days after receiving the vaccines. Although most side effects are not serious to your childs health, they may feel unwell for a few days; they will go away on their own. Some common and expected side effects include one or more of the following:

Rarely allergic reactionscan occur after receiving a vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

The clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction should it occur. Seek immediate medical care if your child develops any of these symptoms.

Seek medical attention immediately if your child develops any of the following:

When should my child return for the second dose?

Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will provide the best protection. The second dose should be booked at least eight weeks after the first dose.

When is my child considered to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines?

Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines means you have received every dose you are eligible for. Children ages 6 months to 11 years are considered up to date 14 days after receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is my child eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose?

Currently, there are no booster dose recommendations for children aged 6 months to 11 years of age.

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Children 6 Months to under 5 Years of Age - COVID-19 Vaccine