With eligibility for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expanded to children ages 12 to 15, and updates to mask mandates nationally and statewide, the Free Press has gathered answers from experts to common questions about these new developments:

How do the new mask mandates work for people in Virginia?

Those fully vaccinated don’t need to wear a mask outdoors or indoors unless they’re in health care settings, on public transportation, in correctional facilities or homeless shelters.

How do the national and state mask changes affect the businesses I use or rely on?

Businesses can require masks for employees and can refuse service to customers who refuse to wear a mask. Retail stores such as Walgreens, Home Depot and Kroger still require face coverings when entering their stores, while others such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Best Buy and Target are lifting their mask requirements for customers.

Will those not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated be required to wear masks?

Virginia officials have strongly recommended, but have not required, unvaccinated people to continue to wear a mask in public.

Can I still wear a mask after the mask mandate is fully lifted?

While not in place yet, a likely executive order for Virginia will allow people who want to wear a mask to do so after the state of emergency ends June 30; current Virginia law bars the wearing of masks except during a state of emergency.

Will there be any requirement to prove I’ve been fully vaccinated?

Businesses can ask for proof of vaccination or require masks.

Will mask wearing be required for school settings?

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised masks remain in use for K-12 schools. Many schools are requiring and providing masks for students, teachers and staff.

How safe and effective is the Pfizer vaccine for children 12 and older?

A Pfizer clinical trial of about 2,000 participants ages 12 to 15 found the vaccine was 100 percent effective in preventing infections at least a full week after the second dose. The results were key to securing approval of the vaccine’s use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Are there possible side effects of the vaccine on younger populations?

Potential side effects are the same among youths as they are in older people — some soreness at the injection site, fatigue and headache. Less common are muscle aches, chills, joint pain, vomiting or fevers. Side effects are more common in younger people than among older adults, and most pass after a day or two.

Are the number of doses or timing for the vaccine different for younger people?

No. Like adults, young people ages 12 to 15 need two shots of the Pfizer vaccine for full vaccination, with the shots scheduled about three weeks apart.

Should I or my child get the COVID-19 vaccine if we recently had a different, non-COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 and other vaccines can now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and other vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days. Any concerns about closely spacing vaccines should be discussed with your doctor or other health care provider.

Can a child get vaccinated at their school?

Many communities are offering vaccination at school. Information may be coming from the school. Check the school district’s website for more information.

Where can my child get vaccinated?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are holding vaccination events 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at Richmond Raceway and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at George Wythe High School in South Side.

Chesterfield County residents are encouraged to schedule appointments through vaccinefinder.org or vaccinate.virginia.gov websites. The county health department continues to hold events 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Virginia State University’s Multi-Purpose Center.

In Hanover County, vaccination events will be held 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 24, at Bell Creek Middle School and Oak Knoll Middle School.

When will those under age 12 become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination?

Currently unknown. Manufacturers are testing both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in youngsters under age 12.