Get your kiddo's Pfizer COVID-19 Shot at GDP!

Hey everyone! We are super excited to have the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available for all our patients 12 years and up. Our providers at Great Destinations Pediatrics highly encourage everyone 12 years and up to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Our hope is to get all our kiddos  the vaccine as quickly as possible so they have protection before school starts. Below, we have answers to some of your frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to call our office. We know the pandemic has been stressful, everything about it is new, and we are totally prepared and happy to answer all your questions. 

1. How can I get my child the COVID-19 vaccine?

Simply call our office and either schedule a nurse visit or if they are due for a well check schedule that and we can give the vaccine at that time.

2. Which COVID-19 vaccine does Great Destinations Pediatrics have?

We have the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which is the only vaccine approved for 12 years and up

3. Did all the doctors and providers have their family and kids get the vaccine?

YES! We all got the vaccine in December, 2020 and our spouses and all  our kids 12 years and up have received it throughout the spring and a few months ago when it became available for kiddos 12-17 years. 

4. Is there a second dose required?

Yes. We advise getting the second dose 3 weeks or 21 days after the first vaccine but you can get the second vaccine as early as 17 days and as late as 42 days (although we encourage you to get that second dose as soon as you can so you have full  protection). 

5. What are side effects to the vaccine?

Possible side effects include body aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore arm, stomach ache, diarrhea, and fatigue but many people have no side effects. 

6. Are there any reasons you shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

Yes. If you have a history of a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine OR if you are allergic to any of the components you should not get the vaccine.

At this time anyone under 12 years is not approved to get the vaccine.

7. Are there any other reasons not to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are currently infected with COVID-19 then wait until you are out of isolation and no longer ill or with fever. Also, if your child had MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children, wait 90 days before getting the vaccine. Finally, if you received Passive Antibody therapy, (monoclonal antibody therapy, for COVID infection or convalescent plasma, wait 90 days before getting the vaccine.

8. Can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines?

Yes! COVID-19 vaccine can be given along with other vaccines either on the same day or any time regardless of timing. Meaning, if your child is in the office for a routine well check and they need a tetanus booster or other routine vaccines they can do receive the COVID-19 vaccine along with their other shots.

9. Why should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine? COVID really doesn't affect kids right?

Since the pandemic started, in the U.S. 400 children have lost their lives due to COVID infection. Children also have suffered from MIS-C an inflammatory condition that affects every organ of the body including the heart causing myocariditis. 6% of children who get COVID-19 infection get "Long Hauler" syndrome causing brain fog, fatigue, and some get new onset depression and anxiety. Other children who get COVID-19 infection go on to have COVID lung with asthma like symptoms, shortness of breath and loss of ability to breath properly during exercise. 

10. What about the myocarditis that the shot can cause?

In the 12-17 year old age group, of the 20 milliion who received the COVID-19 vaccine about 300 got a transient resolving myocarditis that was mild in nature, many of the kids required no treatment or just observation and all have or are recovering. The myocarditis seen from the COVID-19 infection in children and teens is far more severe and can last 4-6 months. 

11. If my family decides not to get the COVID-19 vaccine can they still come to your practice?

Absolutely! Although we strongly urge you and your family to get the vaccine, we are here for you and ready to help in any way your child needs us to.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help and excited to start protecting your children!