COVID-19: Know the Facts, Find the Truth

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for children 6 months and older. These vaccines have gone through the most intensive safety monitoring in US history. Millions of children ages 6 months and older have safely received the vaccine.

True, there isn't long-term research yet. Also true: Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely rare following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. If serious problems after a vaccination do happen, they happen within weeks.  

There is no evidence that COVID vaccines affect development or fertility in children or adults.

True. Also true: the vaccine strengthens that immunity. Children get more protection by getting vaccinated after they have had COVID-19. This protection is important to keep your child from getting very sick with COVID-19 in the future.

True, kids are less likely to become very sick from COVID-19. Also true: Some kids are at higher risk for severe illness, and vaccinated kids have more protection from severe illness. The COVID-19 vaccine protects your child from getting very sick and helps prevent serious complications and lasting health problems.

Even mild COVID-19 can prevent your child from going to child care or school, getting them vaccinated will keep them in school and enjoying the activities they love.

True, some kids experience side effects from vaccines. Also, true: Side effects are normal signs that your child's body is building protection. These side effects are not signs of COVID-19. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.  

Side effects tend to be mild in children and usually last less than a day. Common side effects of vaccination, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are pain, swelling, or redness in the arm where the vaccine was given, feeling tired, headache, muscle ache, nausea, fever, or chills. Serious side effects are rare and would generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose.

Serious side effects are rare and would generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose. A small number of adolescents have had inflammation of the heart (myocarditis or pericarditis) after receiving their vaccine. Most cases are mild and respond well to treatment and rest.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can happen after any vaccine, but this is rare. Everyone is observed by a medical professional after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If a reaction does happen, it is treated right away.

Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

There is no evidence that COVID vaccines affect development or fertility in children or adults.

• After May 11, 2023, the cost of treatments, tests, and vaccines may depend on your health insurance. Call the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 for support with Health Benefits and resources that can help. It's free, multilingual, confidential, and open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• You will never be asked to show proof of health insurance, ID or immigration status to receive your Covid-19 vaccine at a Boston Public Health Commission sponsored site. 

The CDC has specific recommendations for different age groups to help parents stay up to date with their child's COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out what is best for you and your child. 

Yes. Like other childhood vaccines, the dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on the age of your child. 

Yes. Childhood vaccination is important and should not be delayed. Each shot will be given in a different spot, based on the age of your child.

Before getting them vaccinated, talk with your children about possible side effects and what to expect. It is not recommended to provide pain relieving medication prior to getting vaccinated to try to prevent possible side effects.

If you still have questions about the benefits vs. risk of vaccinating your child, BPHC encourages you to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician or other trusted medical provider.

True, the vaccine was developed  fast. Also true: Scientists had a head start. They had been studying similar viruses for years, which gave them important information. 

As the vaccines went through clinical trials to show they were safe and effective, manufacturers worked to make sure vaccines were ready to be distributed once they were approved.

True, some people experience side effects from vaccines. Also, true: Side effects are normal signs that your body is building immunity. These side effects are not signs of COVID-19. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.  

Common side effects of vaccination, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are pain, swelling, or redness in the arm where the vaccine was given, feeling tired, headache, muscle ache, nausea, fever, or chills. Serious side effects are rare and would generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose.

 A small number of adolescents have had inflammation of the heart (myocarditis or pericarditis) after receiving their vaccine. Most cases are mild and respond well to treatment and rest.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can happen after any vaccine, but this is rare. Everyone is observed by a medical professional after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If a reaction does happen, it is treated right away.

There is no evidence that COVID vaccines affect development or fertility in children or adults.

True, you might have some immunity. Also true: The vaccine and boosters give you an added layer of protection that lowers your risk of severe illness.

The highly transmissible BA.5 variant has been causing reinfection. Booster doses provide an added layer of protection that supports a strong immune response to the virus, significantly reducing the likelihood of infection and severe illness. 

True. Also true: Vaccines and boosters help keep you out of the hospital if you do get sick.

Unvaccinated people are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated people if they get sick. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations helps you maintain a strong immune response to the virus, significantly reducing the likelihood of infection and severe illness.

True, COVID-19 affects everyone differently. Also true: the vaccine and booster doses give everyone a strong layer of protection. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations protects you from becoming very ill, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. This is particularly important as new variants emerge because they could effect you differently.

True. Also true: You can still get COVID-19. The CDC says the Boston area is still at medium risk for COVID-19 right now. Getting vaccinated will give you protection now and in the future if cases increase or a new variant starts to spread.

True, you might not get COVID every time you are exposed. Also true: New variants of COVID-19 may spread more easily. If you get sick from being exposed to COVID, the COVID-19 vaccine protects you from severe illness.