My child’s too young for the COVID-19 vaccine

What can I do?

The school year is in full swing, Halloween is around the corner and the winter holidays aren’t far behind. But something may feel like it’s missing for your family.

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young child, it can be hard to enjoy these occasions without the assurance of a vaccine for your child.

Between July and September, cases of COVID-19 in children increased by about 240 percent in the U.S. And while childhood cases have since declined, children represented about 25 percent of all COVID-19 cases last week.

As a parent, waiting for your child’s turn to get the vaccine may feel discouraging. But there are reasons to be hopeful. A vaccine for younger kids may arrive soon. There are also ways to keep your whole family protected, no matter the age of your children.

When will my child be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

It could be very soon if your child is between the ages of 5 and 11.

Pfizer submitted a request to the FDA for emergency use authorization of their vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

If the FDA recommends the shot as safe and effective for this age group, the CDC reviews the data and makes their own recommendation.

If all goes well, the vaccine may be available to children ages 5–11 by early November.

It’s looking promising. Pfizer says their vaccine is safe and protective based upon clinical trial research that included more than 2,200 kids aged 5–11. The dosage will probably be lower than the dose given to people 12 years and older. However, even at the lower dose, Pfizer is seeing the same antibody response as it did with teens and adults who received a full dose.

What’s the hold up?

We get that this wait can be frustrating. But there’s a lot that goes into ensuring a vaccine is safe and effective for children. The immune systems of children aren’t as mature as the immune systems of adults. There’s also a big difference in physical size between a 5-year-old child and a 12-year-old.

This all means that young children may need different doses than older kids. The vaccine needs to be formulated to work in the developing bodies of 5–11-year-olds. This takes a lot more scientific testing to get absolutely right. Scientists also want to ensure any side effects remain mild for children, as they are for older kids and adults.

It all comes down to the FDA authorization process — which can take time. When the pandemic began, it was older people who were more seriously impacted. So, early vaccine trials focused on adults first. Gradually, the ages of trial participants decreased.

Will younger age groups follow?

That’s the hope! There are currently ongoing clinical trials for kids ages 6 months to 4-years-old. But we expect a longer wait time for vaccine eligibility to be determined for this age group.

How can I protect my child?

The best way to protect your child is to ensure that everyone in your child’s circle is vaccinated — siblings, extended family members, family friends, etc.

Beyond that, here are some more ways to keep your child safe:

• Children 2 years and older should continue wearing masks in public and when gathering with people from different households.
• Kids should continue distancing in public and in the classroom. Make sure they follow their teacher’s and school’s guidance.
• Support healthy hygiene by encouraging family members to wash their hands often.
• Download WA Notify, a free, anonymous tool that can alert you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Learn more at WAnotify.org
• Reconsider travel plans. The CDC advises against domestic and international travel for unvaccinated people.

Flu also has a much higher chance of spreading now that kids are back in school. For protection against the flu, everyone in your family age six months and older should get a flu shot.

What happens if my unvaccinated child was exposed to COVID-19?

It’s scary when COVID-19 hits home.

The CDC says you should follow quarantine guidance provided by your school. The CDC recommends a 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated close contacts before returning to normal activities, including in-person school.

However, some schools are using their own approved testing plan to allow some close contacts to stay in school. Schools and local health departments are working to find the best quarantine plan for their communities. You should check with your school or local health department about their specific guidance.

Have your child tested immediately if they develop symptoms. Check with your Local Health Department to find a testing site near you.

If your child tests positive, someone from public health will contact you to discuss what’s next. Be sure to notify your child’s school and reach out to your health care provider.

Make sure to isolate your child immediately and follow these steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your household. This means your child should not go to school, socialize, or participate in any extracurricular activities. Ask your school about virtual learning options and their current policies for when your child can return to school.

If you need help while you’re isolating at home, Care Connect Washington may be able to help.

We know it’s not easy to think about, but having a game plan in place will keep everyone a little safer.

More information

This blog is accurate as of the date of posting. Information changes rapidly, so check the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date info at coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 12 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.

WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.