Most children six months to four years old are now eligible for their updated Covid-19 vaccine, which protects against Covid-19 variants.
These vaccine doses are becoming available in North Carolina this week following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation.
“We know parents and families are eager to protect their children from the many viruses going around our state, impacting our youngest North Carolinians,” said NC Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “The Covid-19 vaccine and updated dose is an important tool to help protect them.”
The updated vaccine is a bivalent vaccine that targets both the original coronavirus strain and Omicron variants. Like previous Covid-19 shots, children six months through four years old get a smaller dose of this updated vaccine than other age groups. Children under five should get the same vaccine brand for all recommended doses. Children are eligible for the updated dose of their Covid-19 vaccine if they are:
- 6 months to 5 years and got their last dose of a Moderna vaccine at least two months ago
- 6 months to 4 years who already had two doses of the Pfizer vaccine and are ready for their third dose
Children six months and older may be able to get this updated Covid-19 dose along with other routine vaccines at the same visit. Parents should talk with a health care provider to make sure their child is up to date on Covid-19 and other vaccines. The Covid-19 vaccine is safe to take alongside the annual flu shot.
“More children now have the opportunity to get the most up-to-date protection from Covid-19 to help renew their body’s defenses against the virus,” said Dr. Susan Kansagra, NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Public Health and State Public Health Officer. “Many North Carolinians have already protected themselves and their children from the virus by getting vaccinated. Now is the time to…
Read the full article here
