Public Health Question (January 2022)
My child is between 5 and 11 years old, why should I have my child vaccinated against COVID-19.
ANSWER: 
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The CDC released a statement authorizing a Pfizer produced pediatric vaccine for children 5 to 15 years of age as an emergency use. The vaccine for children is inspected, monitored and goes through the same rigorous safety and effectiveness inspecitions as did the adult vaccine.
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Pfizer information fact sheet for parents and caregivers provides information about ingredients, benefits, risks, possible side effects and Pfizer’s contact information. If you still have concerns after reviewing the above information, you should consult with your pediatrician, family physician or healthcare provider.
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The Pediatric Pfizer vaccine is administered as a two dose primary series, three weeks apart, and is a lower dose than the dosage for those ages 12 and older; as an added benefit, the vaccine utilizes a smaller needle. Please note that clinical data examined by FDA and also reviewed by many leading healthcare organization like the Mayo Clinic, has shown that the vaccine is safe and is effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 17 years old.
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The data shows that, “children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults”. There are many reasons why children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of these are: children can still become very sick from the COVID-19 virus, children can transmit the virus to others, and vaccination can help prevent short and long term complications from COVID-19.
Contact us to schedule your child's free COVID Vaccine appointment at 732-493-9520 and visit our Vaccines for Children's program to find out more about other vaccines offered by MCRHC.