Vaccination

Ministry of Health and Wellness

Belize

Fact Sheet on Pfizer- BioNTech (Comirnaty) Vaccine

(Pediatric Pfizer vaccine)

WHAT IS COVID-19 Disease?

COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It can be transmitted through contact with another person who has the virus and by touching contaminated surfaces after an infected person touches their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands.

Children with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can have no symptoms, present mild, moderate or severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and may include one or more of the following: fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, cough, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, poor appetite or poor feeding. The most common symptoms are cough and/or fever.

After getting COVID-19, children can also experience new or returning health problems. Getting children vaccinated can help prevent them from getting sick even if they do get infected and help prevent serious short- and long-term complications of COVID-19.

WHO SHOULD GET THE Pediatric PFIZER VACCINE?

The pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children 5 - 11 years of age.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE Pediatric PFIZER VACCINE?

− Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine

− Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine

− Anyone with fever (body temperature over 37.5 C) should postpone vaccination until they are without fever.

− Persons with acute COVID 19 should defer vaccination until one month after date of diagnosis.

HOW IS THE PFIZER VACCINE GIVEN?

The Pfizer vaccine is an intramuscular injection given into the deltoid muscle on the upper arm. Two doses will be given 21 days apart.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PFIZER VACCINE?

The Pfizer Vaccine reduces hospitalization, severity of the disease and death, additionally, it helps children stay in school, participate in group activities, and prevent the spread of SARS-COV-2 to other children and at home.

Most common reactions to the vaccine:

− Pain, swelling and redness at the injection site

− Tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever, chills, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes

− Feeling unwell, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting

- Severe allergic reactions are very rare, and may develop right after vaccination. Hence, the recommendation to monitor the child receiving the vaccine for at least 15 minutes.

- If your child has trouble breathing, swelling of face and throat, a fast heartbeat or a rash or hives over the body, seek medical care immediately.

How to report reactions to the vaccine?

Report all reactions to the phone number shared on the information sheet given when the vaccine is administered.

WHERE IS THE VACCINE AVAILABLE?

Vaccines will be given at schools on scheduled dates, and it will be made available at the vaccination sites.

REMINDER

Continue ensuring that your child practices proper use of face masks, covering nose and chin, keeping physical distance, washing hands often, keeping surfaces clean, and avoid unnecessary crowding.

Additional information, about the Pfizer vaccine can be obtained from any health care provider (doctor or nurse) at any of the health facilities near you or from the World Health Organization or Center for Disease Control and Prevention websites.