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COVID Vaccine
About COVID
The coronavirus attacks various systems in the body, particularly the respiratory system. Symptoms include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell and taste. The main complications of the disease are pneumonia, heart damage, and kidney failure, and they can even lead to death. The virus is particularly dangerous for people in at-risk groups, but not only for them. Children with no underlying medical conditions can also develop severe illness, long-term effects (Long COVID), cardiac events, an increased risk of diabetes, and more.
The coronavirus is constantly changing, and new variants emerge from time to time. The variants currently in circulation cause less severe illness than in the past, both because they are less virulent and because of immunity acquired through vaccination and previous infections. However, the immunity acquired by the population in previous years wanes over time, and there are still many hospitalizations, including among children, due to complications of COVID.
The Vaccine
The updated COVID vaccine, Moderna's Spikevax, is designed to boost immunity and protect against complications of the disease. Its composition is nearly identical to the vaccines administered in previous years, with adjustments for the latest COVID variants.
Vaccination is recommended for infants and children from 6 months of age, especially if they are in at-risk groups for complications and severe illness. The COVID vaccine can be given at the same time as routine vaccines or any other vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective for children and is available at HMOs free of charge.
Vaccination schedule: From 6 months of age. Children up to age 5 are recommended to receive 2 doses, 28 days apart.
If the child has had COVID, the vaccine should be given at least 3 months after recovery.
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| An mRNA vaccine that targets one of the proteins on the surface of the coronavirus | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3 and older, by injection into the upper arm |
Duration of Protection
The protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time. It is recommended to get vaccinated again in accordance with the latest recommendations.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area, and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever or headache: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Muscle aches, joint pain, or chills: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Diarrhea: It is important to drink plenty of fluids and continue monitoring. If the diarrhea persists or there is concern about dehydration, it is important to seek medical advice.
- Swollen lymph nodes: The swelling usually goes away on its own. It is recommended to continue monitoring.
Inflammation of the heart muscle - myocarditis: This is rare and has been reported mainly in young men after the second dose. If chest pain or shortness of breath occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about vaccine side effects
If you experience side effects shortly after receiving the vaccine, it is important to report them on the Ministry of Health website.
When to contact your HMO or a medical center after vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If a fever does not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite and eating patterns do not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
- If chest pain or shortness of breath occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.