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Our Community Vaccination Center at Seminole Square in Charlottesville is now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to 12-15 year-olds. Before this phase of the national vaccine roll out began, the center team consulted with UVA pediatric providers about the questions being asked most frequently by parents of tweens and teens. The responses below address those questions and explain how the center is prepared to help with concerns about needles, fainting and allergic reactions. 

Team members are encouraged to schedule a vaccination appointment for their child online or by contacting the UVA COVID Vaccine Call Center on 434.297.4829 (4VAX), Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Vaccination appointments are also available for community members, UVA patients, and UVA team members.

How do we know the COVID-19 vaccine works in this age group?

The COVID-19 vaccine was found to be 100% efficacious in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection in a large ongoing clinical trial of children 12 to 15 years of age. The immune responses measured in children appear to be just as strong as those in young adults. 

What are the common side effects of the vaccine?

Experiencing symptoms after a vaccine is common and may occur with COVID-19 vaccines. The side effects in children of the COVID-19 vaccine are similar to adults. It is very common to feel fatigue for a few days after being vaccinated, especially following the second dose. Muscle aches, joint aches, and chills occur less frequently but have been reported. Fever is uncommon, but has been reported. These effects usually clear up in one to two days. Your child’s arm may feel sore after their vaccination. As long as the discomfort is located only at or around the injection site, this reaction is generally not dangerous.

What side effects should I call the doctor about?

Seek immediate medical help if your child’s side effects are severe (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness). Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911, if immediate help is needed. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if mild to moderate side effects (fever, chills, muscle aches, headache) are bothersome or linger for more than a few days. 

My teen is afraid of needles, will anything be done to alleviate their fear?

The Seminole Square team has already safely administered over 100,000 vaccines to teens and adults. Talk to the team at the vaccination center to let them know in advance that your child is afraid of needles so they can do their best to meet your child’s specific needs. 

My teen has fainted after getting previous vaccines. What precautions are being taken to make sure they are okay?

Some teens may faint after receiving a vaccine. While fainting is not generally serious, harm from a fall could occur. Most falls can be prevented by having a patient sit or lie down when they receive a vaccine. Talk to the team at the vaccination center to let them know your child may faint. They can arrange to have your child lay down during vaccination. Snacks and beverages are also available if needed. 

Does the clinical team at Seminole Square know how to respond to allergic reactions?

Yes. Although allergic reactions are rare, we are sufficiently staffed and equipped to respond to them. Patients with a history of allergic reactions can schedule their appointments on Saturday from 9-12 p.m. when we currently have an allergy-specific team onsite at Seminole Square. You can also request an appointment with a UVA allergist to discuss concerns about a potential allergic reaction before scheduling your child to get the vaccine.