COVID-19 Vaccination in Children Aged 5-11 Years Old
United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recommended Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccination among children aged 5-11 years old in November 2021.
Singapore Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) and Multi-Ministry Taskforce have accepted to use the pediatric doses of Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years old.
What Are The Benefits?
According to EC19V’s clinical data, Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (at 10 mcg, one-third of adult dosage) in children aged 5-11years has shown that around 90% reduction in the risk of symptomatic infection. Besides that, based on the clinical data from EC19V and studied information available globally pertaining to COVID-19 vaccines for use in children, that children in the above-mentioned age group who receive the Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine experience mild to moderate side effects of the vaccine generally. They had fewer systemic side effects compared to persons 16-25 years of age. Thus, the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks.
As mentioned above, Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (at 10 mcg, one-third of adult dosage) will be given to children aged 5-11 years old. They have to be seated and should be observed for 30 minutes after vaccination. Anaphylaxis (severe allergy reactions) generally occur within 30 minutes of observation; the onset rarely be delayed for up to several hours. The recommended dosage for Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty COVID-19 is 2 pediatric doses (10 mcg each) timed at least 21 days apart.
Where To Get Vaccinated?
There are 15 designated pediatric vaccination centers located island-wide from 27 December 2021.
The roll-out will start with children born between 2010 to 2012, followed by those born between 2013 to 2017. Children must have crossed their 5th birthday before they are eligible to book an appointment and receive the vaccination. Parental/guardian consent is required to book a vaccination appointment for both doses of the vaccine. Parents can make appointment for their children through child.vaccine.gov.sg.
For more information on registering your child for vaccination and how to prepare your child for their vaccination, visit MOH website or MOE website.
Dr Lim Chee Sem
Date: 17/1/2022