If Pfizer’s New Omicron Booster Shot is Effective, Should I Give it to My Kid?

The fight against COVID-19 now has a new tool at its disposal. On September 1, 2022, COVID-19 immunization boosters were officially approved for use by the CDC Director. But should you give your kid Pfizer’s Omicron booster? Find out the answer by reading this article.

This development follows EUA applications from Pfizer and Moderna for boosters that target the BA.4/BA.5 variations and came just weeks apart. The Bivalent booster from Moderna is intended for those aged 18 and up, while the Pfizer-BioNTech injection is aimed at those aged 12 and up. This new booster will be available to preteens and teenagers.

Should I give my kid Pfizer's Omicron Booster
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The revised boosters can more effectively counter the latest COVID-19 variety. Getting the COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible is highly recommended if you qualify.

Parents, upon hearing this news, will naturally have many questions. Parents are curious about the optimal timing for their children’s booster shots now that school has started or is about to begin.

Boosters that Work Only with Omicron Radiation: What You Need to Know

Should I give my kid Pfizer's Omicron Booster
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The BA.4/BA.5 variations and the original vaccine formula have been combined in Pfizer’s booster for children aged 12 and up. Like previous Pfizer boosters, this one requires a 30-g dose. So, it stands to reason that any adverse reactions to the new vaccine would mirror those of the original.

Since the mRNA vaccine technique is the same, the projected adverse effect profile would be nearly identical to the original vaccination. The release of Pfizer’s vaccination for youngsters aged 12 and up will coincide with the start of the school year for many students.

Why Should Children Use This Innovative Booster?

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Experts have identified numerous advantages for children who receive the new bivalent vaccine. To begin, the most severe consequences of a COVID-19 infection are usually avoided by children thanks to immunizations and boosters.

Vaccines protect against deadly and debilitating COVID-19 infections. Although cases of fatal COVID-19 infection in children are extremely uncommon, they do occur.

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The protective efficacy of COVID vaccinations and boosters against life-threatening COVID complications like MIS-C has also been demonstrated (a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children). Vaccines also reduce the likelihood that children will contract and transmit COVID.

As these new boosters have the most up-to-date information regarding the variants now in circulation, they should provide more extensive coverage than the previous boosters.

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The Omicron BA.4/BA.5 form is the most common in the United States, which is why these new vaccines are designed to combat it. Because of this, they will likely provide more comprehensive protection than the previous Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which only worked against the COVID-19 strain.

Should You Put Off Giving Your Kid a Booster Until The Omicron Booster Comes Out?

If your preteen or teenager is due for a booster, you may be debating whether to get them vaccinated with the current version or wait for the improved version. With the commencement of a new academic year and the upcoming participation in potentially dangerous extracurricular activities like sports and social gatherings, you may feel more pressure to improve them immediately.

Should I give my kid Pfizer's Omicron Booster
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It makes logical to hold off on getting the vaccine until the new version is available. There’s a chance that the benefits of this particular booster will increase over time, so holding out is probably the best option. Consult your child’s pediatrician to weigh the benefits and risks.

Waiting may not be the best action if a child has a condition that weakens their immune system. Waiting for this booster, in particular, may be advantageous if a child is otherwise healthy, as it may cover more variations.

When can younger children obtain a modern booster seat?

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A new booster specifically designed for kids under 12 is not now available. After the vaccines are approved for those aged 12 and older, there are signs that a booster dose will be made available for younger children. There is currently no set timetable for the release of Pfizer’s EUA application for children ages 6 months to 11 years, which was announced on Tuesday (August 23).

In addition, the CDC anticipated the availability of a bivalent booster for children aged 6 months through 11 years “within a short time” after the booster for children aged 12 and above, as stated in a fall booster planning guidance. According to the CDC, the information was discussed at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting on September 1, 2022. The CDC has stated that the boosters for children under 12 would be made available as soon as the FDA approves.

Is It Time to Start Boosting Your Kid’s Grades?

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You may be wondering whether or not to give your younger child a boost with the current booster, given that revised boosters for children under 12 won’t be available for a while yet. For children aged 5 to 11, roughly five months after finishing the initial Pfizer vaccine series, a booster incorporating the original vaccine mix is currently available.

In this case, parents shouldn’t wait to help their children succeed. Booster doses of COVID vaccines have been demonstrated to reduce disease severity in children. While the availability of the new bivalent vaccine may take a few weeks to a few months, they are available now. Due to the high incidence of circulating COVID-19, children eligible for the booster dose should receive it as soon as feasible rather than waiting for the new bivalent vaccination.

Should I give my kid Pfizer's Omicron Booster
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However, not every expert thinks this way. Unless your child has a condition that compromises their immune system or is on medication that reduces the efficiency of the immune system, I recommend waiting until this specific booster is available before giving it to them. If your child has any preexisting medical concerns, discussing this option with their pediatrician is always best.

So, Your Kid Got the Moderna Shot… Now What?

Those in the age range of 6 months to 4 years and those between the ages of 5 and 17 years can get the Moderna vaccination right now.

Should I give my kid Pfizer's Omicron Booster
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At this time, a Moderna booster is not advised for adolescent patients who have already completed the first series of vaccinations. However, you may wonder if they qualify for the Pfizer bivalent booster for children aged 12 and up.

Your youngster may be eligible for the Pfizer-improved booster if he or she is 12 or older and takes Moderna. A Pfizer booster shot after a Moderna vaccination may be recommended for children who fit into this category, therefore I encourage you to discuss this with your child’s pediatrician.