With the start of the 3rd dose reminder vaccine for children three months after the 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, which has been administered to children over 12 years of age in Turkey since September 5, some question marks arose with the uneasiness of the parents. Liv Hospital Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Manolya Kara answers the questions that come to mind by drawing attention to the importance of the reminder dose against the Covid-19 virus.
3. HOW IS THE DOSAGE REMINDER VACCINE EXPECTED TO AFFECT CHILDREN? WILL THERE BE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
With the booster dose, the immune response that develops after the primary vaccine will be strengthened. Side effects generally observed in children administered mRNA Covid vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTECH); These are mild symptoms such as redness, tenderness, fever, malaise, myalgia, and nausea in the area where the vaccine was administered, and usually resolve spontaneously within the first 48-72 hours. After the 3rd dose of the reminder vaccine, no different side effects are expected from the first two doses.
SHOULD CHILDREN HAVE THE 3rd DOSE OF SINOVAC OR BIONTECH?
The preferred reminder dose in vaccination is to continue with the primary vaccine type. However, provided that the vaccine to be administered is licensed for the age group, a different vaccine can be used for the reminder dose. However, comprehensive studies in terms of vaccine efficacy and side effect profile worldwide have been carried out with mRNA Covid vaccines.
IT IS SAID TO WATCH LIGHTER FOR THE OMICRON VARIANT. DO CHILDREN STILL NEED THE 3rd DOSAGE OF VACCINE?
Early data suggest that COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant is less severe than infection by previous variants. Some studies have shown a reduced risk of hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, and in-hospital death. With this; The high case volume in parallel with the high contagiousness of the omicron variant, the increase in hospitalization rates and consequently the observation of severe disease cases; It also puts an overload on the healthcare system.
Due to decreased immunity and decreased efficacy against variants that may evade the antibody response to spike proteins targeted by the original vaccines, many countries, including our country, have initiated a reminder vaccine application for fully vaccinated individuals.
HOW LONG AFTER A CHILD WITH COVID HAS BEEN RECOVERED, SHOULD I HAVE A REMINDER DOSE?
Children with recently documented Covid-19 infection (including those diagnosed after the first dose of vaccine) may be vaccinated after recovery from acute infection and termination of isolation measures.
SHOULD CHILDREN HAVE A HEALTH EXAMINATION BEFORE A REMINDER DOSE?
There is no such recommendation on a routine basis.
DOES SHORT VACCINATION INTERVALS CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN? OR DOES THIS SHORT TIME REDUCE THE EFFECT OF THE VACCINE?
The time to be left between vaccines has been determined as a result of clinical studies. It is not recommended to exceed these periods.
WILL THE REMINDER VACCINE ALSO BE THE SAME DOSE AS PREVIOUS VACCINES?
Yes, there will be no change in the dose of the vaccine.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILDREN’S DOSES AND ADULT DOSES?
The recommended dose for adolescents and adults over 12 years old; Two doses of 0.3 mL (30 mcg) are administered intramuscularly, three weeks (21 days) apart. In the USA, where it is approved for use between 5-11 years of age, intramuscular administration of 0.2 mL (10 mcg) at three weeks (21 days) intervals is recommended for this age group.
IS IT HEAVY FOR A CHILD TO TAKE THE SAME DOSE AS ADULTS?
Dosage recommendations according to age groups were determined as a result of extensive studies.
ARE THESE VACCINES HARMFUL FOR DEVELOPMENTAL CHILDREN?
No long-term side effects are foreseen for Covid-19 vaccines.