Parents and caregivers can now protect their tamariki aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19 with two child doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Tamariki aged 5 to 11 are not eligible for AstraZeneca or booster vaccinations.
The paediatric (child) formulation of the Pfizer vaccine is a lower dose and smaller volume compared to the adult formulation. It’s been chosen based on a trial which showed the lower dose was safe and had few side effects in this age group.
Tamariki need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. It’s recommended these are at least 8 weeks apart. The time between doses can be shortened to a minimum of 21 days if needed, for example if the child is starting significant immunosuppression treatment. You will need to discuss this with the child’s doctor.
If a child has their second vaccination after they have turned 12, they should still complete their vaccination course with the child dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Immunising your child helps keep them safe, as well as protecting your whānau and community from COVID-19.
What is this COVID-19 immunisation being offered and who is it for?
This is the COVID-19 vaccine for tamariki aged 5 to 11 years.
Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to protect their tamariki aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19, by being immunised with a child (paediatric) formulation of the Pfizer vaccine.
How the programme will run?
Immunisations for tamariki start around the motu on 17 January.
The Ministry of Health is working with DHBs, and community organisations to roll out the Pfizer vaccine to children in ways that suit whānau and communities. If you wish for your child to be immunised, your child will receive the Pfizer COVID-19 children’s vaccine. It has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults, but as a smaller dosage. Some immunisation clinics may also offer other childhood immunisations such as MMR. It is okay to get several vaccines at the same time.
How is this different to the COVID-19 vaccine that is already available to people aged 12 and over?
The vaccine used for tamariki is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume.
How many doses do tamariki need?
Tamariki need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.
How many weeks or days apart are the two doses?
It is recommended that these are given at least 8 weeks apart. The interval can be shortened to a minimum of 21 days if needed, for example if your child is starting significant immunosuppression treatment.
Why should I get my child/children immunised?
Immunisation is an important way we keep tamariki safe, like being sun smart or wearing a seatbelt.
It protects your tamariki from many serious diseases and stops disease spreading within your whānau and the community. In Aotearoa, children get free vaccinations against 12 diseases, including whooping cough (pertussis), measles and polio.
The Ministry of Health recommends immunising your child to keep them safe and to help protect your whānau and community from COVID-19.
What are the benefits of immunisation against COVID-19?
The COVID-19 virus can be unpredictable. While COVID-19 generally has milder effects in children, with symptoms being similar to a cold, some tamariki become severely ill and require hospitalisation. In addition, tamariki can have rare complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) that may require intensive care. Tamariki can also suffer long term effects (known as long COVID), even after mild cases of COVID-19.
Like adults, if your tamariki are infected with COVID-19 they may transmit the virus to other people. Immunising 5 to 11-year-old tamariki helps protect whānau members whose health makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Have there been any trials with children?
Yes, the Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds has been through clinical trials with children in this age group. In general, the side effects that were reported were mild, didn’t last long, and were similar to side effects from other routine vaccines.
What if a child has allergies?
The vaccine is recommended for tamariki with food allergies. Unlike some other vaccines, there is no food, gelatine or latex in the Pfizer vaccine.
The only reason that someone may not be able to have this vaccine due to allergy is if they have had a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the Pfizer vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. The child (paediatric) Pfizer vaccine has gone through the same rigorous approval process as other routine childhood vaccines. No clinical trials were skipped and no corners were cut in the testing of its safety.
How was the vaccine approved in Aotearoa New Zealand?
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Medsafe granted provisional approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Medsafe only grants approval for a vaccine or medicine once it is satisfied that it has met internationally-agreed criteria for quality, safety and efficacy.
Cabinet has now approved the decision to use the paediatric vaccine for this cohort following advice from the Ministry of Health with guidance from the COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG). A group of New Zealand paediatricians including leading Māori and Pacific clinicians were consulted by CV-TAG to prepare this guidance. The FDA in the United States and the TGA in Australia have also granted provisional approval or emergency use authorisation for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds. The vaccine is currently being rolled out in the United States to this age group.
What advice do you have for preparing tamariki for vaccination?
- Provide encouragement to help your tamariki feel relaxed
- Make sure they have had something to eat and drink
- Check they’re wearing clothes that make it easy to see and access their upper arm.
If they’re a little nervous, they’re welcome to take something to the appointment that will distract them, like a soft toy or phone.
If your tamariki have had previous reactions to immunisations, let your vaccinator know, speak to your whānau doctor prior to the appointment, or talk to a trained advisor on the COVID Vaccination Healthline – 0800 28 29 26.
Who can give consent?
A parent, caregiver or legal guardian will need to accompany your child to their appointment(s) as the responsible adult and be able to provide consent for them to be immunised.
At the appointment both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like.
You can read more online in our policy at https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/covid-19-vaccine-children-aged-5-11-years-policy-statement24dec2021.pdf
What are the side effects?
As with any immunisation, your child is likely to have a sore arm and get redness, pain or swelling at the injection site. Other reactions that can occur, usually within one or two days, include:
- headache
- a fever (feeling hot)
- nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, diarrhoea
- fatigue
- general discomfort (feeling unwell, aches and pains).
These are common and show that the vaccine is working. Encouraging rest and offering plenty of fluids will help.
Severe reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are very rare and usually occur straight away after the vaccination. For this reason, you and your child will be put in an observation area for monitoring by clinical staff to ensure they receive any medical treatment if this occurs.
Signs of severe allergic reaction can include:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face and throat
- a fast heartbeat
- a bad rash all over the body
- dizziness and weakness
If you notice your child experiencing any of these symptoms let clinical staff know immediately. If you are not at a vaccination site call 111.
Myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare but serious side effects of the Pfizer vaccine. In the clinical trials no cases were seen in children aged 5 to 11 years old, however it is important to be aware of the symptoms for all ages who are vaccinated. If your child has any of the following symptoms in the days or weeks after being vaccinated, get medical help right away.
Symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis:
- discomfort, heaviness, tightness or pain in their chest
- difficulty breathing
- feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
- feeling faint, light-headed or dizzy
Is it free to get vaccinated?
COVID-19 immunisations are free for everyone.
How do we get our tamariki vaccinated?
Book or walk in
COVID-19 immunisations are free for everyone. Parents or caregivers can book their tamariki at BookMyVaccine.nz (from 17 January) to get immunised with their usual health provider, hauora, pharmacy, or general practice (make sure you select the appropriate age range).
You can also check if your nearest walk-in vaccination centre is offering tamariki vaccinations.
If you want to make a whānau booking or you’re unable to book online, you can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) and we’ll make the booking for you and answer any questions. Interpreters are available.
What if my tamariki has a disability?
The disability team is available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm. They will support your whānau and can book an immunisation appointment for you. They can answer any questions you may have about your child’s needs including accessibility, free transport options, or any effects the vaccine may have on your child.
- Call: 0800 28 29 26 and push 2
- Free text: 8988
- Email: accessiblecovidvaccinations@whakarongorau.nz
Where can I get more information?
For more information and links to research, visit health.govt.nz/CovidVaccineKids, Karawhiua, Ministry for Pacific Peoples and https://covid19.govt.nz/tamariki
If you have questions about the vaccine, talk to a trained advisor on the COVID Vaccination Healthline – 0800 28 29 26 – between 8am–8pm, 7 days a week.