ALL the providers at Berkeley Pediatrics recommend getting the vaccine for our patients age 5 and up. As of 5/19/2022, boosters are approved for all people 5 years and older.
Only Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for children 5 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for 18 years and older.
The Pfizer vaccine is a two shot series separated by a minimum of 3 weeks with a booster vaccine given 5 months after the second dose. For immunocompromised individuals and adults, there are more specific recommendations re: booster doses. Please refer to the CDC website for updated information on this.
We are eagerly awaiting the approval for Moderna vaccine for children 6 months to 6 years sometime later this summer (2022)
Other vaccine information:
-- Please let your provider know if your child has received a COVID vaccine. We would also like to have copies of any documentation of COVID vaccines to enter in your child's health record.
--If you had COVID already, you can and should get the vaccine. So far, we know that the vaccines are still working 6 months after administration, but the vaccine is expected to provide 1-2 years of immunity. You must wait the 10 days of Isolation after your Covid infection began before going to a vaccination site, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
--After you receive the vaccine, you must continue to wear masks, social distance and follow the local guidelines. Vaccine immunity builds over time. Your immunity begins around two weeks after your first dose. You are considered "FULLY VACCINATED" two weeks after your final dose.
--Rules for the fully vaccinated are changing on a day to day basis. For the latest updates, follow the CDC website: Rules for the Fully Vaccinated
--Allergies and the vaccine: you probably have heard about allergic reactions and the vaccine. These reactions are to the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) or Polysorbate in the vaccine, so if you have either of these allergies, you should consult with your doctor first. Everyone else with known food or medication allergies can take these vaccines but you may want to consult with your doctor/allergist. If you have allergies, you will be advised to sit for 30 minutes after the vaccine, rather than the usual 15 minutes.
FAQs re: COVID vaccines:
--How do mRNA vaccines work? These would include the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Here's a brief video that explains mRNA technology and why it is safe.
--Can COVID vaccines cause infertility in adolescents? Here's a short video from Dr. Paul Offit re: the evidence against this claim.
--Do you have other questions about the COVID vaccines e.g. length of efficacy, efficacy against variants, safety for immunocompromised patients, etc? Please read this really great comprehensive article from Dr. Paul Offit re: common questions about COVID vaccines
Updated 6/16/2021:
Media have described anecdotal concerns about myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA vaccines. Heres are two sources of great info:
1) from Dr. Paul Offit on "What you should know about COVID-19 vaccine and myocarditis in teens"
2) a statement (5/24/2021) from the American Heart Association "COVID-19 vaccine benefits still outweighs risk, despite possible rare heart complications"https://newsroom.heart.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-benefits-still-outweigh-risks-despite-possible-rare-heart-complications