The children’s COVID-19 vaccine is now being offered in the Cayman Islands to children ages 5 through 11.
Side effects
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term and not all children get them. The very common side effects should only last a day or 2.
Very common side effects in the first day or 2 include:
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm at the injection site
- fatigue/drowsiness
- headache, aches and chills
- low grade fever
What to do if you are concerned about their symptoms
These symptoms normally last less than a week. If their symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call the Flu Hotline at 1-800-534-8600 or 947-3077. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about their vaccination so that they can assess your child properly
You should seek medical advice urgently if your child experiences:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
Can your child catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?
Your child cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine.
What to do next
After your child’s vaccination, you should be given a record card. If your child is considered at-risk or immunocompromised, they will be eligible to receive their second dose in eight weeks. Children without conditions that put them at risk can receive their second dose after 12 weeks.
If your child is not well for their appointment
If your child is unwell, it is better to wait until they have recovered to have their vaccine.
Your child should not attend a vaccine appointment if they are self-isolating or waiting for a COVID-19 test. Ideally you should wait 12 weeks after your child has had a positive COVID-19 test or at least 4 weeks if your child is at higher risk.
Will the vaccine protect your child?
The COVID-19 vaccine that your child has had has been shown to reduce the chance of them suffering from COVID-19 disease.
Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given worldwide. The vaccine is highly effective in children and young people.
It may take a few weeks for your child’s body to build up immunity from the vaccine .some children may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
What your child can do after they’ve had the vaccine
The vaccine cannot give your child COVID-19 infection and it will reduce their chance of becoming ill.
It is still important to continue to follow current national guidance to protect your child against infection i.e hand hygiene, wearing masks.
Your child can continue going to school after they have had the vaccine.
