Children, Youth and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Health Canada has authorized the use of the Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (from Pfizer-BioNTech) for children between the ages of five and 11 and vaccination appointments are now available in London and Middlesex County for children born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016. Please read the information below to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and help your family prepare to receive the vaccine.

Should my child be vaccinated?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of your child getting COVID-19; if your child does become infected with COVID-19, being vaccinated can help make the symptoms milder. Children and youth are also at-risk of getting COVID-19 and passing it to others who may be at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill.¹

By getting your child vaccinated, you will help to prevent potential COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in our communities. It will also help keep our communities open so we can continue to work, go to school, and spend time with friends, family and loved ones.

If you have questions or concerns about whether or not to vaccinate your child, consider talking to your healthcare provider to have your questions answered.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

Yes. Vaccines that have been approved by Health Canada have all received a thorough and independent scientific review of the research and have been determined to be both safe and effective. There have been no shortcuts in conducting these reviews. Advancements in vaccine technology, sustained funding and cooperation among experts in the field have allowed these vaccines to be developed quickly.

It is also important to remember that all vaccines approved for use in Canada are heavily regulated by Health Canada. As a result, it is illegal to sell or market a vaccine that has not completed all of the research stages and trials required for approval. International cooperation on the development of COVID-19 vaccines has allowed countries to compare trial results and data from around the world, to ensure vaccine safety over a relatively short period of time. Learn more about vaccine safety →

What side effects can children experience after receiving the vaccine?

As with most vaccines, common side effects have been reported during research trials. 

Not everyone will experience side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine; most side effects tend to be minor and typically do not last for long.⁵

Potential side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Chills or fever

Serious side effects are rare
While COVID-19 vaccines are relatively new, serious side effects have been rare. The risk of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) is low in people who do not have an existing allergy to the vaccine’s ingredients.

In order to keep people informed about vaccine safety, side efects are reported by Health Canada. To see reports of side effects following COVID-19 vaccinations, visit Health Canada's reporting website at health-infobase.canada.ca.

How can I make an informed decision about getting the vaccine?

While there is a lot of information online about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination in general, not all of it is factual. Please consider credible sources when making a decision about your child's vaccination. The following can be considered as trustworthy sources for information about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination:

• Health Canada
• Public Health Ontario
• The Government of Ontario
• Your primary care provider

Common myths

When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, you may have questions about what is true and what is not. The following are credible answers to common questions and misconceptions.

Myth 1 - Children don’t get sick from COVID-19, so why do they need the COVID-19 vaccine?

Children with COVID-19 usually have mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, children have developed more severe symptoms and required hospitalization; even if they didn't have other health conditions. The benefits of getting vaccinated far exceed any risk. Even if a child becomes infected with COVID-19, the vaccine will protect them from severe illness.¹

Research shows that people who become infected by COVID-19 are at higher risk of long-term side effects (or "long COVID"), even if the infection itself was mild. Common lingering side effects of a COVID-19 infection can include breathing problems resulting from scar tissue in the lungs, ongoing muscle pains and headaches, organ damage to the heart and brain, memory loss, blood clots, mood disorders, and more.

Myth 2 - The vaccines were rushed into production and are not safe for kids.

No shortcuts were taken in the research and development of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada. Vaccines that are approved by Health Canada have been determined to be safe and effective following thorough and independent, scientific, review of the research and associated data. Advancements in vaccine technology, sustained funding and cooperation among experts in the field have allowed these vaccines to be developed quickly.⁸

Myth 3 - The COVID-19 vaccine affects human reproduction and fertility.

This is not true. There is no evidence to suggest that any of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada have any effect on human reproduction or fertility. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy →

Frequently asked questions

It’s okay to have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth. We want you to have the best information available when making a decision about your child's vaccination. Please download the resources below and read the FAQs.

How can I prepare my child for their COVID-19 vaccination?

Preparing your child for the vaccination appointment can result in a more positive vaccination experience for both you and your child. Pain and anxiety do not have to be part of the experience. The following evidence-informed tips have been compiled to help support you and your child before and during the vaccination appointment, in order to help reduce stress, anxiety and pain. 

What do I say to my child? What should I avoid saying?

• Be honest by telling your child about the vaccination appointment least a day in advance.³
• Listen to your child, validate their concerns, and answer any of their questions in an age-appropriate way. Explain in simple terms what will happen during the appointment. This can include telling them things such as: “You will get some liquid, called a vaccine to protect you from COVID-19. The vaccine goes into your arm with a needle, and it will help your body to fight off COVID germs”.
• Avoid giving false reassurances, such as “It won’t hurt”. When asked by your child if it will hurt, use words that reduce anxiety, such as “You may feel some pressure, a pinch or a quick poke for a few seconds”.³

How can I help my child have a positive experience when they receive the vaccine?

The Centre for Pediatric Pain Research has produced a 2-minute video called "It Doesn't Have To Hurt" to provide some helpful advice on how parents can support their child in managing their pain and anxiety during childhood vaccination.⁶ You can watch it here →

The CARD System
The CARD System for Parents and Caregivers provides ways to reduce fear and anxiety about vaccinations. Parents and caregivers can use the CARD system (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) to help reduce needle fear and anxiety, in order to help your child cope with stressful situations like getting vaccinated.

Distraction Kits
You can help your child identify what they would like to bring to the vaccination clinic to help them feel more comfortable. These comfort measures can be included in a Distraction Kit that you can bring to the clinic for your child's appointment.

• Some examples of what to add to a Distraction Kit include an iPad / tablet / smart phone to play a game or listen to music (bring headphones), books, fidget toys (e.g., fidget spinners, pop-its, squishy toys, etc.). Please note that access to Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed at the vaccination clinics.
• Bubbles or blowing toys will not be permitted at the clinic due to COVID-19 transmission concerns.

For more distraction tips, download the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre’s Distraction Guide: A Break Down For Different Ages (PDF).

Numbing Creams
There are several over-the-counter products that provide topical relief from pain, also known as numbing creams, available at pharmacies and other retailers. Maxeline is the product used at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. This resource, Numbing Cream for Vaccines (PDF), provides more information about the product. If you have any further questions, please consult a pharmacist. Please note: numbing creams would need to be applied prior to the vaccination clinic appointment in order to allow time for the product to work.

What can I do to prepare for the day of the appointment?

• Make sure to bring your child’s Ontario health card or another piece of identification with you to the appointment; have it ready to show when you arrive at the vaccination clinic.
• If you are able, please print, fill out and bring the demographic consent form to the vaccination appointment.
• Make sure your child wears a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up easily. It is also recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket for your child.
• Make sure your child eats before coming to the clinic. This will help prevent them from feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
• Do not give your child acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (i.e., Advil) before they receive the vaccine.
• Where possible, it is recommended that only one parent accompany the child when they come to the clinic for their vaccination appointment.
• Please arrive at the vaccination clinic no earlier than 10 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.

What can I expect on the day of the appointment?

About the Clinic:

• Parking is free at all clinic locations, including the Western Fair District Agriplex COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.
• You and your child will be screened for COVID-19 when you arrive at the clinic.
• Please plan to spend between 45 and 60 minutes at the clinic.
• Washrooms are available on site.
• Child-friendly family pods are available at the Western Fair District Agriplex COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic, to provide a more comfortable environment where your child will be vaccinated.

What you can expect from the vaccination process:

• Vaccinators will ask your child in which arm they would prefer to receive the vaccine.
• Vaccinators will encourage your child to use sometime they have brough with them to the appointment to provide some comfort. They may also make use of distraction techniques while you are in the clinic setting.
• If you have more than one child being vaccinated during the appointment, the same vaccinator will administer the vaccine to all of your children.
• After your child receives the vaccine, you will be asked to stay in a post-vaccination area of the clinic for a 15-minutes. During this time, staff members will watch your child for potential reactions or side effects.

How can I support and comfort my child during the vaccination appointment?

How you can help during the vaccination process:

• Remain calm, be positive and use your regular speaking voice.⁷
• Avoid telling your child “it will be over soon” and “It’s going to be ok”.⁶
• Bring out the Distraction Kit items that you brought to the clinic with you. Depending on what you've brought along, you can play an active role in helping to distract your child.
• If your child has brought headphones to listen to music, you can encourage active listening during the vaccination appointment by asking your child to find the message in the lyrics of the song, when the music changes tempo or volume, or what instruments are being used.¹⁰
• If your young child would prefer to sit on your lap during the vaccination, hold your child in an upright seated position. Older children are also encouraged to sit in an upright seated position, as it helps children to feel more secure and in control over the situation.³
• Encourage your child to relax their arm and to take deep breaths.⁷
• Use neutral language and don’t draw attention to the pain that your child may be experiencing.⁴

What should I expect after my child's vaccination appointment?

Have a conversation with your child about their vaccination experience.

• Talk to your child about any pain they experienced during the vaccination (i.e., no pain, a little pain, medium, or a lot).
• Use your child's feedback to discuss plans for how to prepare for their second dose appointment (such as how to lessen any pain the child experienced).⁴

What about side effects?
Not all children will experience side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine; most side effects tend to be minor and typically do not last for long.  Examples of potential side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Chills or fever

Use a cool damp cloth to reduce soreness and use pain or fever medication if needed. These potential minor side effects are an indication that the vaccine is working, and that the body is mounting an immune response.

Serious side effects are rare.
If you experience any of the symptoms below, seek medical attention right away or call 9-1-1.⁵

• Hives (bumps that are very itchy)
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing, or chest pain
• Very high fever (+40°C)
• Blurred vision, or severe/worsening headache
• Swelling or coldness in arms or legs
• Multiple small bruises or red/purple spots on skin

What other information and supports are available?

Talk to your primary health care provider if you have any further questions.

Your primary care provider is a reliable source of information that can help answer your questions about whether or not to vaccinate your child.

Toronto Public Health has also created a helpful list of considerations related to the risks of COVID-19 (see Risks of COVID-19 in Children) and the benefits of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (see Benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine).²

SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service

If you have additional questions or concerns about your child and COVID-19 vaccines, you may also book a confidential one-on-one phone conversation with a health care provider through www.sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult.

This service provides supports for children/youth who have complex medical histories or conditions, as well as children/youth who may require additional support before they receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of medical complexity, a developmental disorder, or mobility, communication, behavioural or other special needs, including significant fear of needles. This service is also available in many languages, using over-the-phone interpretation.

The Children’s Hospital at London Healthy Sciences Centre's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

If your child has severe needle anxiety, general anxiety, behavioural or other special needs, and/or sensory needs, there is a vaccination clinic at Children’s Hospital that can provide your child with additional supports. Parents, caregivers, and other household family members who are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines are also welcome to book their vaccinations during the same appointment time.

To book an appointment, visit www.covidvaccinelm.ca, use option 1 ("Book/re-book an appointment"), select "Book a first dose" and select "Continue to book at Children's Hospital".

Max the Vax
Max the Vax is a child-friendly character who’s working with a team of Canadian physicians, scientists, and health care providers to share trusted, evidence-based content about COVID-19 and vaccines. The campaign is supported by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and is helping children and caregivers to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of five and 11.