Many of our parents have received one of the three available Covid-19 vaccines, and families are looking forward to having their adolescent or young adult receive a Covid-19 vaccine too. As of now, the youngest age an individual can receive a Covid-19 vaccine is 16 years.
The Pfizer vaccine (two doses 3 weeks apart) is authorized for people age 16 years and older. The Moderna vaccine (two doses 4 weeks apart) is authorized for ages 18 years and older. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine (one dose only) is authorized for ages 18 years and older.
All individuals receiving a Covid-19 vaccine must receive the vaccine at a site specified by the State of Connecticut. Currently, individual medical practices, e.g. Willows Pediatrics, are not included in the State program to administer Covid-19 vaccines. Thus, we cannot give your adolescent or young adult a Covid-19 vaccine even if he or she is eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Information on how to schedule Covid-19 vaccinations is available on the State of Connecticut Covid-19 vaccine website. Beginning April 1st, individuals 16 years and older who live or work in the state are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in the State of Connecticut.
Research has shown Covid-19 vaccines are remarkably safe and effective. Clinical trials are now underway using Covid-19 vaccine in children under 16 years of age. Below are answers to some common questions, please let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns:
Q.My child already had a Covid-19 infection. Should he or she still get the Covid-19 vaccine?
A.Yes! Even though having had Covid-19 may provide some protection from getting sick again, we don’t know how long that protection will last. (Please note, if you were treated for Covid-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a Covid-19 vaccine.)
Q.Are there side effects after getting the Covid-19 vaccine?
A.The most common symptoms after getting vaccinated are a mild to moderate headache, muscle aches or fatigue, and sometimes a low fever. These usually don’t last more than a day to two.