The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts offers the following answers:

How effective is the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11?

Data from Pfizer shows that the vaccine has a 90.7 percent effective against COVID-19 symptomatic infection.

How does the vaccine dose differ for kids ages 5 to 11 than kids 12 and older?

The vaccine for ages 5 to 11 is the dose used for those 12 and older — 10 micrograms versus 30 micrograms.

If my child will turn 12 soon, is it better to get them vaccinated with the lower dose or wait until they are eligible for the larger dose for people 12 and older?

If your child is 11, your best bet is to vaccinate them as soon as you are comfortable doing so.

Does a child’s height or weight matter in terms of dosing?

No. The 10 microgram vaccine dose is highly effective regardless of height or weight. A child’s immune response to this vaccine doesn’t depend on their size.

Do I need to space out the COVID-19 vaccine from other vaccines my child might receive?

The CDC says there is no need to space out the COVID vaccine from any other vaccines your child may receive. This means multiple vaccines can be administered on the same day.

When should I schedule my child’s second dose?

The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 should be administered three weeks after the first dose. You may want to schedule your second dose on the day your child receives their first dose.

What are the possible side effects for kids in this age group?

In clinical trials, the most common side effects were similar to those of older kids and adults who received the Pfizer vaccine: Pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Less common side effects included chills, muscle or joint pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and decreased appetite. Side effects were more common after the second dose. Side effects mostly occurred within two days of receiving the vaccine and went away within one or two days.

Could the COVID-19 vaccine affect my child’s growth or development?

No. There is no reason to believe that the vaccine available in the United States will affect your child’s growth or development, including puberty, brain development or fertility.

What if my child has underlying conditions or is immunocompromised?

The vaccine is not recommended for anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of a COVID vaccine or a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine. You should also tell your vaccination provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, especially if your child:

• Has any allergies

• Has had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)

• Has a fever

• Has a bleeding disorder or is on a blood thinner

• Is immunocompromised or is on a medicine that affects the immune system

• Has ever fainted in association with an injection.

If my child already has had a confirmed case of COVID-19, do they still need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Even if your child has had an infection, they will still benefit from vaccination. Compared with the natural immunity that results from previous infection, vaccination provides broader and stronger protection against the virus and its potential long-term effects.

Is permission or consent needed for children ages 5 to 11 to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A legal parent, guardian or other adult who has been given permission by a parent or guardian must sign a consent form for a child age 5 to 11 to receive the vaccine. The form is electronic and can be signed on-site at the vaccination clinic. An adult must also accompany the child to the vaccination appointment, though it is not required that the adult be the child’s legal guardian.

How can I get proof of my child’s vaccination record?

Anyone who has received a COVID-19 vaccine can access their record through the Commonwealth of Virginia using your name, birthday, phone number and ZIP code.