COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Below 12 Years Old

COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for children aged 5 to below 12 years old (PICKids) started in February 2022.

7 things to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for children below 12 years old

As children return to school, it is important to ensure they are vaccinated to prevent them from getting severely ill if infected with COVID-19 and protect those who are not eligible for the vaccine.

Here are some common questions and answers you may have about the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will children aged below 12 years old receive?			They will receive 2 paediatric doses (10 mcg each) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Cominarty) 8 weeks apart.
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 getting vaccinated, but severe reactions are rare.
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 go away within a few days on their own. 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.
Are there concerns about post-vaccination myocarditis or pericarditis?			• Get enough sleep • Eat and drink well • 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.
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).
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine together with other vaccines?			Yes. Children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day and time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.

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.html
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