FAQ: Vaccination of minors against COVID-19
Health professionals answer the most common questions about the vaccination of the under 12s which has started this week.
Thursday 16th December 2021 – MIKE SMITH
Who will be vaccinated? How and where will it be administered?
- Who: Children between 5 to 11 years old.
- How: With two doses, 8 weeks apart.
- Where: In educational centres, with the consent of parents or guardians.
Who cannot be vaccinated?
- Those who have previously had severe allergic reactions to the components of the vaccine.
- Those who are experiencing a fever, in which case it will be delayed for a few days.
What are the possible symptoms after vaccination? How should one act?
- As in adults: pain around the injection site, feeling of tiredness, chills, fever, headache, …
- If symptoms appear, paracetamol can be given, and repeated if necessary every 6 – 8 hours. It is not necessary to take it BEFORE vaccination.
What if a more serious side effect appears?
- Serious allergic reactions appear in the first few minutes, so it is important to stay at the vaccination site for 15-20 minutes, where there will be trained health personnel to deal with any serious immediate reaction.
- If later, chest pain, shortness of breath or a sensation of rapid heartbeat appear, immediately consult the health centre or hospital emergency services.
- The serious side effects of the vaccine are always milder than those of the disease itself.
Can you lead a normal life on the day of the vaccination?
- Yes, following current health protocols and common sense. And always with hand hygiene, mask and social distancing.
Can one get COVID after vaccination?
- Yes, although the risk is lowered, especially with the complete vaccination course.
Can the COVID vaccine be given with other vaccines? And with allergy shots?
- Yes, it is an inactivated vaccine so it can be administered together. To avoid overlapping of possible reactions to each vaccine, 2-3 days can be separated, but it is not necessary.
What if my child has had COVID? Can they still be vaccinated?
- Yes.
- If the infection was before the first dose, a single dose will be administered starting 4 weeks after recovery.
- If the infection is after the first dose and before the second, the second dose will be given when the child is fully recovered and at least 4 weeks after infection.
Is vaccination mandatory?
- No, but it is an act of solidarity and civic responsibility in the current epidemiological situation
Would you vaccinate your children?
- Yes. Without hesitation.
