Toddlers and pre-school age children should be informed about the vaccine only shortly before the clinic visit or appointment.

Some people find that numbing creams or patches help. You can buy these without a prescription at most pharmacies. These can be applied an hour before the vaccine appointment.  The pharmacist will be able to show you how to apply them.

Do not focus your child’s attention on the needle with comments like “It’ll be over soon, and you’ll be okay.” Research shows that reassurance and apologies offered before the immunization are associated with increased stress in the child. 

Instead, try distracting them with toys or talking, or have them pretend to blow bubbles which can slow their breathing and help them stay calm. Research shows that the part of the brain that processes pain is less active when children are distracted.

Cuddle your baby or child firmly in your lap in a seated position to calm your child and keep their legs and arms still so the vaccine can be given safely. Sitting in an upright position helps children feel safe and in control. The staff at the clinic can help you hold your child in the best position.

Babies

• Breastfed babies: You can breastfeed your baby before, during, and after the immunization. Research shows that this is safe and comforts and distracts your baby. Breast milk also contains natural calming substances.
• Formula fed babies: A small amount of sucrose solution can be given immediately before the immunization for babies up to 12 months of age. Research shows that, given 1-2 minutes before an immunization, this solution can reduce pain. Find information on preparing this at HealthlinkBC.ca. Do not use sugar at home to calm upset or crying babies.

Healthcare providers at immunization clinics are trained to work with children and can help you work with your child to support them.

There are some common side effects such as pain, and redness at the injection site. These will pass quickly.  The most commonly reported symptoms specific to infants 6 months to 36 months include:

• irritability/crying
• pain
• sleepiness
• loss of appetite

Most cases were mild and were treated with rest and their symptoms improved quickly. Rates of this type of inflammation following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination are unknown in children less than 5 years at this time, but expected to be very rare and even lower than in the over 5 year age group. 

 The risk of myocarditis is much greater in young children  who get a COVID-19 infection than the risk following the vaccination.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm

Yes. While the majority of children who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, a small number of them can get very sick. Additionally, some children may continue to have health issues for long periods of time after the initial illness. Infected children are also able to pass on COVID-19 to other people in their families and communities.

You can find more information about BC COVID-19 cases in children through our data summaries on the BC COVID-19 Data page.

Even though severe illnesses from COVID-19 in children are not common, they can occur.  Vaccinating children helps keep them safe by preventing severe illness.

Even if they already had COVID-19, the vaccine can provide a stronger and longer lasting immune response. 

Vaccines can make it less likely that children will miss out on important activities, like school, sports and social events.

Vaccinating your child with all recommended vaccines is very important. 

Learn more

• HealthLink BC provides further information about the importance of childhood vaccination
  
• Read what BC Children’s Hospital pediatricians have to say about vaccination
  
• Benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in children from ImmunizeBC
  

The vaccine is the same as the vaccine for adults and children 12-17, but children under 11 get a smaller dose. 

Younger children get a smaller dose because that is the dose that has been found to provide excellent protection in that age group. Smaller doses are frequent for many vaccines and medications.

The dose is not based on the size or weight of the child, but by age- a 12-year-old child who is small for their age is not eligible for the smaller dose. Some children may get different doses in their series depending on their age. 

For example, an 11-year-old with a birthday in early 2022 would get a child dose for their first vaccine and an adult dose for their second vaccine.

For younger children - You can explain that the vaccine can help make sure they don’t get sick from COVID-19. It helps their body to quickly fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The vaccine is so powerful that when they get it they help to protect the people around them including their family and friends because if they don’t get sick they can’t pass it on.

For older children - Kids Boost Immunity has videos that explain how vaccines work. You can remind them that getting this vaccine will help protect them and let them keep other people safe.

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.

All of these support techniques apply to other childhood vaccinations. If you are not sure if your child is up-to-date with their vaccines check children's immunizations schedules and arrange with your healthcare provider to have any vaccinations that may have been missed to be given as soon as possible.