CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There have been two major COVID-19 vaccine announcements in the past few days surrounding booster shots and vaccinations for children.
Last Friday, an FDA advisory panel announced not everyone needs a COVID-19 booster shot. Pfizer announced Monday they are seeking FDA approval to give kids ages 5 to 11 the COVID-19 vaccine.
Since then, WCNC Charlotte's VERIFY team has gotten a lot of questions from parents.
THE QUESTION:
Who needs a booster shot?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
According to the advisory panel, those ages 65 and up as well as those at high risk of severe illness can get the booster shot.
"We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriateness of a booster vaccine for you," Robinson said. "There may be some medical condition that you have that predisposes you from being a good candidate for the booster vaccine."
THE QUESTION
Is the COVID-19 dosage different for kids than it is for adults?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, according to Pfizer, kids ages 5 to 11 will receive a 10 microgram dose level which is about one-third of a dose that adults receive.
"It's the same medication just a reduced dose reduced volume and that is something that the data has shown to be effective," Robinson said.
THE QUESTION
Will kids experience the same symptoms as adults when they receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
OUR SOURCE
THE ANSWER
According to Pfizer, the study that involved children ages 5 to 11 was well tolerated, with side effects generally comparable to those observed in participants 16 to 25 years of age.
"There is a possibility like injection soreness or redness and then also there is the possibility of a systemic reaction," Robinson said.
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