COVID-19 and vaccination for age ≤ 15

parentologist
Fri, 28 May 2021 00:50:02 +0000

There have been a VERY few reports of transient myocarditis in response to the vaccine (inflammation of the heart muscle). My 17 yr old got both doses Pfizer - had first dose the day he became eligible. But right now, if I had a 12-15 yr old, I would consider getting them only the first dose, and not the second, assuming that the older people in the household are fully immunized and there is no vulnerable household member.

Children’s immune systems are stronger (more reactive) than adults. Most children can be presumed to have an adequate response to just one dose of the vaccine. So I’d compromise at one dose of the Pfizer for them, for the time being, until we have more data.

timesofisrael.com

To beat side effects, Israel considers giving teens just 1 COVID vaccine dose

As US probes possible link between immunization and mostly mild heart problem, proposed compromise seen as way to dodge the risk while retaining shot's effectiveness

In my mind, when one weighs the risks/benefits of immunization for 12-15 yr olds, it makes sense to consider one dose, for now. The benefit of the second dose remains the same, whether it is given three weeks or three years after the first dose. The only issue is that of course the person does not obtain the benefit from the second dose until after the second dose has been given.