COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Kids Age 6 Months-Plus: Summer Pediatrics

The following was submitted by Dr. Ester Ramirez-Cepeda of Summer Pediatrics, which is located on High Ridge Road in Stamford.

I know how important it is to make an informed decision about your child’s health, especially when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. On June 17, 2022, the FDA approved the COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 4 years old. As a mom of three and a Stamford pediatrician for over 17 years, I understand the heavy responsibility of deciding what’s best for my kids.

Every day, I speak to parents and caregivers about getting their child the COVID-19 vaccine. Two questions I get asked often are, “Is it safe?” and “If my child has already had COVID-19, should they still get the vaccine?”

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. It has been tested and continues to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Even if your child has had COVID-19, they should still get the vaccine because it provides additional protection. If your child has had COVID-19, you should talk to their doctor about when they should get their vaccine. As a reminder, also talk to their doctor if there are any contraindications (anything, including a symptom or medical condition, that is a reason for them not to receive the vaccine).

It's no secret that children need to be cared for differently than adults. That’s why the kid-sized COVID-19 vaccine is a smaller dose and uses a smaller needle that’s better suited for their age. For kids in this age group (6 months to 4 years old), they need three shots to complete the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series, and two shots to complete the Moderna vaccine series.

With the new school year upon us, it’s the perfect time to get your child their vaccine. Once they complete their vaccine series, they’ll be protected against severe symptoms. While every child is different, we know that severe reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare, and mild side effects like fever or headache are common AND normal. If your child experiences side effects, it means the vaccine is working and teaching their body how to fight the virus. And no, the vaccine doesn’t give your child COVID-19.

Your child’s health isn’t something to take lightly. Children can get very sick with COVID-19, and sadly some have lost their young lives to this virus. I hope that you will get your child their COVID-19 vaccine to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. The vaccine is the best tool we currently have available to protect our youngest family members.

Here in Stamford, it’s easy to get your child their COVID-19 vaccine. Simply stop by one of the free vaccine clinics in Stamford - no insurance, ID, immigration status, or appointment needed. To view the vaccine clinic schedule and locations, please visit click here.

If you would like to learn more about the vaccine or have questions, that’s ok. Please reach out to your child’s doctor or call the City of Stamford Department of Health at (203) 977-5385.

Wishing you and your family a healthy and safe back-to-school season!