Covid-19 Vaccine for Babies and Children
The disease
The coronavirus attacks various systems of the body, particularly the respiratory system. The main complications of the disease include pneumonia, cardiac injury and kidney failure, which may even result in death. The virus is particularly dangerous to anyone considered at high risk, but also children who have no underlying condition who may develop a serious illness, long-term side effects (long Covid), cardiac events, increased risk of diabetes, and more.
The coronavirus constantly mutates, and new variants appear from time to time. The current variants are less harmful to people than in the past, as they are less aggressive and because of the immunity that accumulated following the vaccination and previous infections. At the same time, the immunity that the population acquired in previous years has waned over time and many people are currently hospitalized, including children, due to complications of Covid-19.
The vaccine
The latest Covid-19 vaccine, Moderna's Spikevax, is designed to increase the level of immunity against disease complications. Its composition is almost identical to the vaccines that were administered in previous years, with adjustments to the latest Covid-19 variants.
The recommendation is that babies and children be vaccinated from the age of six months, particularly if they are in the at-risk groups for complications and serious illness. The Covid-19 vaccine can be administered on the same day as the routine vaccines or with any other vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective for children. It is administered in the HMOs free of charge.
Vaccination schedule: from the age of six months and after. The recommendation is that children under the age of 5 receive two doses with an interval of 28 days between doses.
In case the child has contracted Covid-19, the vaccine should be administered at least 3 months after recovery.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| The mRNA vaccine operates against one of the envelope proteins of the coronavirus | Until the age of 3 - by injection to the thigh; from the age of 3 - by injection to the arm |
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A small number of the people who receive the vaccine experience side effects after the vaccination, but these side effects are usually mild and disappear on their own after a day or two.
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain -
Diarrhea, swelling of the lymph glands -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness and pain at the injection site and local swelling: you can apply a clean compress soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site. Avoid massaging the area.
- Fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and shivering: a pharmaceutical preparation can be given to lower fever and alleviate pain.
- Diarrhea, swelling of the lymph glands.
- Rare side effects: inflammation of the cardiac muscle (myocarditis). The effect is rare and reported primarily among young men after they receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Further information on vaccine side effects
It is important to report any side effects that occur shortly after the vaccination to the Ministry of Health.
When should you seek medical attention at the HMO or medical center after vaccination
- If the child appears apathetic.
- If fever does not disappear after 24-48 hours.
- If there are any changes in appetite and eating patterns that do not disappear after 24-48 hours.
- If there are seizures (typically related to fever, but should be checked).
- If there is any chest pain or shortness of breath.
- If there is any phenomenon that causes concerns.