| COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+) | 4000.00000000000 | COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+) | COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+) | C | English | Infectious Diseases | Teen (13-18 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years) | NA | NA | Drug treatment | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2022-11-29T05:00:00Z | | | | | | | | | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about the status of COVID-19 vaccines for youth 12 to 17 years of age and the benefits of getting the vaccine for youth.<br></p> | <h2>What is the status of COVID-19 vaccines for youth in Canada?</h2><p>Health Canada approved the use of the Pfizer 30 mcg and Moderna 100 mcg vaccines for all individuals 12 years of age and older. Pfizer is the preferred primary series vaccine for those 12 to 17 years of age. Moderna may be given as an alternative with informed consent.</p><p>In June 2022, Pfizer 30 mcg was approved as a booster for youth 12 to 17 years of age.</p><p>On October 7, 2022, Pfizer Bivalent BA.4/5 was approved for all individuals 12 years of age and older and is the preferred booster at this time, over the original booster. If you are unable to get the bivalent option booster for any reason, the original Pfizer 30 mcg vaccine may be given.</p>
<p>Here are a few helpful resources about COVID-19 vaccines and youth.</p><ul><li>
<a href="https://kidshealthfirst.ca/">COVID-19 Vaccines for Ontario Youth</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/97d6-COVID-19-Vaccine-Fact-Sheet-Youth.pdf">COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Youth Age 12 to 17</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/908c-CovidTeenVaxConsentInfographF.pdf">Does my 12+ Child Require Informed Consent to Receive Their Vaccine?</a></li></ul> | | <p>Looking for general information on COVID-19 vaccines. Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3937&language=English&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19 vaccines general information</a>.</p><p>Looking for information specific to children under five years of age? Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=4054&language=English">COVID-19 vaccination for ages under five</a>.</p><p>Looking for information specific to children aged five to 11? Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=4001&language=English&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19 vaccine information for children (ages five to 11)</a>.</p>
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<h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vaccines against COVID-19 have been shown to be safe and effective against the disease.</li><li>Pfizer 30 mcg is the preferred vaccine for youth 12 to 17 years of age for a primary series.</li><li>Pfizer Bivalent BA.4/5 booster is approved for 12 to 17-year-olds. Currently, this is the preferred booster for this age group, over the original boosters. If you are unable or unwilling to get the bivalent booster then the original Pfizer 30 mcg can be offered.</li><li>If a youth in this age group is moderately to severely immunocompromised, Moderna Bivalent BA.1 may be considered as a booster.</li><li>Boosters should be given six months after the completion of the primary series or a previous booster dose. It may be given at three months with informed consent.</li><li>Being fully vaccinated and up-to-date with booster doses has been shown to prevent severe illness and hospitalization in youth 12 to 17 years of age.</li><li>Vaccinating and boosting youth 12 to 17 years of age will help to reduce the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.</li></ul> | <h2>Do you recommend that youth get the vaccine against COVID-19?</h2><p>Yes, youth should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Although they are less at risk than older people, some youth may still develop severe COVID-19, or may require hospitalization because of COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to prevent severe illness and hospitalization in youth. Moreover, vaccinating youth will become important to reduce the transmission of the virus since they represent a large proportion of the population.</p><h2>Why do youth need the COVID-19 vaccine since they don’t get that sick if they become infected?</h2><p>While adults are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, youth can still get infected and develop severe complications. Vaccination against COVID-19 prevents youth from being infected and may also prevent them from developing severe and long-term complications.</p><h2>Can vaccination help prevent the occurrence of MIS-C?</h2><p>Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a hyperinflammatory condition that is observed in some children and youth following a COVID-19 infection. A study in the U.S. conducted in 2021 showed that the vaccine was highly effective at preventing the development of this serious condition in vaccinated youth (aged 12 to 18). The study showed that among the youth who were hospitalized with MIS-C, the vast majority were unvaccinated.</p><h2>What does staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines mean and is it important?</h2><p>Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 means you have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for which you and/or your youth are eligible. This is very important to ensure the protection these vaccines provide has not decreased.</p><h2>Can vaccination improve the physical and mental health of youth?</h2><p>Getting vaccinated can help keep youth safe and healthy, return to their pre-pandemic activities, as well as limit the spread of COVID-19 to others in the community.</p><p>
<a href="https://www.sickkids.ca/en/news/archive/2021/research-covid-19-pandemic-impact-child-youth-mental-physical-health/">SickKids-led research</a> has shown a serious, sustained negative impact on the mental health of Ontario children, youth and their families due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, a study showed that 58 per cent of participants engaged in school sports and/or other extracurricular activities. During the pandemic, only 27 per cent participated in sports and 16 per cent in extracurriculars. These activities are known to boost physical and mental health. Vaccination will help return children to their regular activities and thus help improve the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of children.</p><h2>Is the risk of myocarditis or pericarditis greater from the vaccine or from COVID-19 for youth?</h2><p>In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends vaccination for youth and young adults who are eligible, as the benefits of vaccination to prevent COVID-19 and associated complications outweigh very rare cases of myocarditis/pericarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.</p><p>Additional information about
<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/pharmacy/sites/ca.pharmacy/files/uploads/files/myocarditis_and_pericarditis_after_covid-19_vaccines.pdf">myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination</a> is available in this article from the University of Waterloo.</p><p>A recent U.S. study found myocarditis rates with a confirmed COVID-19 infection to be as high as 450 cases per million infections in young males aged 12 to 17 years, which is a much higher rate than from vaccination.</p><h2>Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect puberty and fertility in youth?</h2><p>No. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine can affect puberty and fertility in youth. Ongoing studies and surveillance of those who have been vaccinated in the general population have shown that the mRNA vaccines are very safe in youth aged 12 to 17.</p><p>For general information on COVID-19, please visit the
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/covid-19">COVID-19 learning hub</a>.</p><h2>Is vaccination safe for youth with food allergies?</h2><p>Yes. There is no reason a youth with a food allergy of any kind should not be vaccinated. Children with a history of allergy to foods, oral drugs, insect venom or environmental allergies can receive COVID-19 vaccines without any special precautions. If you are concerned about the possibility of an allergic reaction to any of the
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/pfizer-biontech.html#a4">vaccine ingredients</a>, please consult your child’s primary health-care provider.</p><h2>Does the vaccine work against the Omicron variant?</h2><p>The Omicron variant is known to be much more transmissible than previous strains of COVID-19, but vaccination still protects against serious illness and hospitalization in Omicron infections. The more people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, the more we can protect ourselves and prevent new variants from emerging and spreading in the community.</p><h2>Is the Omicron variant of COVID-19 causing more severe illness than previous strains?</h2><p>Studies are ongoing with respect to the severity of COVID-19 in children and youth due to the Omicron variant. However, most children and youth who have COVID-19 experience mild illness and do not require hospitalization. Those who are hospitalized typically require support for fever, dehydration and breathing difficulties. The increase in hospitalizations of COVID-positive patients is likely the result of widespread community transmission of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant. While rare, some children and youth can get seriously ill after contracting COVID-19 and this is something we are monitoring closely.</p><h2>Is my teenager eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?</h2><p>In Ontario, youth (ages 12 to 17) are eligible for a COVID-19 booster as long as six months (168 days) have passed since their previous COVID-19 vaccine dose, no matter how many doses they have had. The preferred booster is currently the Pfizer Bivalent BA.4/5 for individuals 12 years of age and older. If you are unable to get the bivalent booster for any reason, a Pfizer 30 mcg (original vaccine) dose may be given. A booster can be given as early as three months following a previous dose with informed consent. </p><h2>Can youth who are immunocompromised receive their fourth (booster) dose yet?</h2><p>Yes, anyone who meets the
<a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccine_third_dose_recommendations.pdf">Ontario Ministry of Health criteria</a> for being moderately to severely immunocompromised, including youth aged 12 to 17, is eligible for a three-dose primary series and booster doses six months (168 days), or a minimum of three months with informed consent, after their previous COVID-19 dose. This is regardless of the number of doses previously received. An Omicron-containing mRNA booster is preferred with Pfizer Bivalent BA.4/5 booster approved for healthy and immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age and older. Moderna BA.1 Bivalent may also be used in moderately to severely immunocompromised 12 to 17 year olds due to the increased immune response seen with Moderna compared to Pfizer. Speak to your child’s primary care provider about which booster is right for your teen. If you are unable or unwilling to get a bivalent booster, an original COVID-19 booster can be offered.</p>
<h2>Why do immunocompromised youth benefit from additional vaccine doses?</h2><p>Similar to adults and with any other vaccine, the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in youth who are immunocompromised is not as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised. Therefore, they require additional vaccine doses to achieve appropriate protection. As immunocompromised people are at higher risk of complications and severe outcomes when infected with COVID-19, they are eligible for a higher number of doses and are strongly recommended to receive them all to maximize protection from COVID-19.</p><h2>Due to an underlying health condition, my child is at increased risk from side effects following any treatment or vaccination. What options are available to address this specific concern for my child?</h2><p>If you have specific concerns of this nature, it’s always best to speak with your primary health-care provider. Another option is to make an appointment with the
<a href="https://www.sickkids.ca/en/care-services/support-services/covid-19-vaccine-consult">SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service</a> to speak with a SickKids nurse. Additionally, if your child requires additional support or specialized care when receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please email vaccine.consults@sickkids.ca and include the following information in your message: </p><ul><li>Name</li><li>Date of birth</li><li>Telephone number</li><li>Describe the considerations or accommodations that need to be in place for the patient</li></ul><h2>Should I be concerned that if my child takes an mRNA vaccine it could impact their eligibility for future specialized treatments for their condition?</h2><p>No. The vaccine will have no impact on future specialized treatments.</p><h2>Information on how to prepare and support your child with their COVID-19 vaccine</h2><p>CARD System Learning Hub<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/card">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/card</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain in children aged 18 months or over<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=990&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=990&language=English</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain with comfort positions and distraction<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3629&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3629&language=English</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain with numbing cream<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3627&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3627&language=English</a></p><p>Pain relief: Comfort kit<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1258&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1258&language=English</a></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>References</h2><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 26). COVID-19 Vaccination. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html</a></p><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 8). Science Brief: Background Rationale and Evidence for Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/fully-vaccinated-people.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/fully-vaccinated-people.html</a></p><p>Government of Ontario – Ministry of Health. (2020, March 31). COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario. Retrieved from
<a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario">https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario</a></p><p>Health Canada. (2021, October 18). Health Canada receives submission from Pfizer-BioNTech to authorize the use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/10/health-canada-receives-submission-from-pfizer-biontech-to-authorize-the-use-of-comirnaty-covid-19-vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/10/health-canada-receives-submission-from-pfizer-biontech-to-authorize-the-use-of-comirnaty-covid-19-vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html</a></p><p>ImmunizeBC. (2021, March 12). COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from
<a href="https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions">https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions</a></p><p>ImmunizeCanada. (2021, February 18). COVID-19 Info. Retrieved from
<a href="https://immunize.ca/covid-19-info">https://immunize.ca/covid-19-info</a></p><p>National Advisory Committee on Immunization. (2021, May 5). Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf">https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf</a></p><p>Pfizer. (2021, September 20). Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Positive Topline Results from Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results">https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results</a></p><p>Pfizer. (2021, September 28). Pfizer and BioNTech Submit Initial Data to U.S. FDA From Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to <12 Years of Age. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-submit-initial-data-us-fda-pivota">https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-submit-initial-data-us-fda-pivota</a>l</p><p>Public Health Agency of Canada. (2021, September 28). Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf">https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf</a></p><p>Walter, E.B., Talaat, K.R., Sabharwal, C., Gurtman, A., Lockhart, S., Paulsen, G.C.,…Gruber, W.C., for the C4591007 Clinical Trial Group. (2021). Evaluation of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age.
<em>New England Journal of Medicine</em>.
<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2116298">https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2116298</a></p><p>World Health Organization. (2021, February 19). COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines</a></p> | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/iStock-1302135365.jpg | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/iStock-1302135365.jpg | COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+) | | False | | | COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+) | | | | | |
