COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
COVID-19 vaccination remains an important way to protect your child and the community against currently circulating variants. COVID-19 vaccines help lower the risk of serious complications, including hospitalization and death. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions below or contact your pediatrician for more information.
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The FDA has reviewed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine through initial large studies and monitoring of millions of people who have received the vaccine all over the world. These vaccines are continuously undergoing additional studies to confirm the vaccine’s safety.
According to data reported and reviewed by the FDA and CDC, the vaccine is effective in preventing COVID-19. If your child does get infected after being vaccinated, the mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The effectiveness of the vaccine will continue to be monitored.
The most common side effects of the vaccines include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, fatigue, and headache. These are common for many vaccines because a vaccine triggers an immune response. The side effects should go away within a few days. An ice pack can be used on the injection site for comfort. If your child develops a fever, headache, or other symptoms, please contact your pediatrician to talk about ways to help, like acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or any other concerns you may have.
No. The COVID-19 vaccine does not include the live virus that causes COVID-19.
No. Since the COVID-19 vaccine does not include the live virus that causes COVID-19, your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
True allergic reactions to mRNA vaccines have been rare. The FDA and CDC are monitoring vaccine reactions closely. If your child has a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, or any other vaccine or vaccine component, consult your pediatrician or allergist before your child receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
No. There is no evidence that the vaccine has any effects on fertility.
Myocarditis is an inflammation, or irritation, of the muscle of the heart. Pericarditis is an irritation of the thin sack that surrounds the heart. In both myocarditis and pericarditis, inflammation starts due to a trigger, typically an infection or other immune system trigger. The most common symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, a sensation of irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
Myocarditis has also been reported after COVID-19 vaccination. It is a rare complication of vaccination and typically is much milder than post-COVID infection myocarditis. The risk of myocarditis reported in the literature is much higher after COVID infection than with the vaccine. In our experience here in Pittsburgh, there are nearly 10 times as many children and teens who developed MIS-C (a post COVID infection inflammatory illness that includes myocarditis) than have had vaccine associated myocarditis. Those with post-vaccine myocarditis were quickly discharged (mostly after 1 day) and fully recovered promptly.
Multiple sources of data in this country and abroad show that the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 far outweigh the risk of vaccine associated issues. We have a robust surveillance system to quickly identify any issues and we will keep updating recommendations as new data becomes available. Your pediatrician will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about benefits and risks.
COVID-19 is a complex and unpredictable illness. Symptoms can be mild or severe and life-threatening. There have been lingering effects in people of all ages.
No. Since the COVID-19 vaccine does not include the live virus that causes COVID-19, your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine or give it to anyone that they come in contact with.
Yes. COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines can be given without regard to timing. This includes same day administration of a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. Also, be sure that all your child’s vaccines are up-to-date, including Flu vaccine, to best protect against all vaccine preventable illnesses.
The FDA has reviewed the safety and efficacy of the vaccine demonstrated by initial rigorous large studies and monitoring of millions of people who have received the vaccine all over the world.
In general, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.