Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children?

Published on January 10, 2022

San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county during the month of January. Free and open to the public, these clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 5-11.

Advance appointments are encouraged and may be scheduled through MyTurn, but families may also come without appointments. Appointments for second doses will be scheduled automatically at the same location three weeks after the first dose.

San Mateo County Health encourages families to get children vaccinated as soon as possible through pediatric care providers, pharmacies, the County’s pediatric clinics. Vaccines prevent serious illness Vaccines prevent serious illness, save lives, and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Things to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for children:

1. The COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 is safe and effective.
2. Getting a vaccine can help protect children ages 5 years and older from spreading COVID-19 to others.
3. A child may have some side effects after vaccination ─ which are normal signs their body is building protection.
4. The COVID-19 vaccine dose given to children ages 5 through 11 years is not the same as the dose given to adults and teens. It is based on age ─ not weight.
5. The COVID-19 vaccine given to adults and teens cannot be given to children ages 5 through 11.
6. COVID-19 vaccines are being monitored for safety with the most comprehensive and intense vaccine safety monitoring program.
7. Severe reactions after vaccination are possible, but rare.
8. Children can safely receive other vaccines the same day they receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
9. Vaccination can help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.
10. Children who have already had COVID-19 should still get the vaccine.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.