Coronavirus vaccination for children
Children aged over 6 months and under 18 years who are medically at risk can get vaccinated against coronavirus. Medically at-risk children are more likely to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19. Children who are not medically at risk do not need to be vaccinated. They are unlikely to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19.
Medically at risk
Medical conditions that make children more likely to become seriously ill with COVID-19 include severe heart or lung disease and a weak immune system. Children with these conditions will get a referral from their paediatrician. An appointment for a child with a referral can be made by calling 0800 7040.
Children’s dose of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine
Children under 12 get a dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine which has been adapted for children. It contains a smaller amount of the active ingredient than the dose for adults.
Children aged 12 to 18 get the same dose as adults.
Other vaccinations in the same period? No problem
If your child is also getting other vaccinations such as the HPV, MMR or DTP vaccinations, this is not a problem. It is safe to get these vaccinations and a coronavirus vaccination in a short space of time.
Coronavirus vaccination reduces risk of hospital admission
A child who is medically at risk and is vaccinated against coronavirus is less likely to get seriously ill and/or end up in hospital with COVID-19.
Preparing your child
Your child may be anxious or scared about getting vaccinated. The Prosa network knowledge institution has issued recommendations and created an infographic explaining to parents and healthcare workers how best to prepare children for a vaccination (available in Dutch, English, French and German).
In an interview (in Dutch) paediatrician Piet Leroy gives tips on helping children who are scared of needles, so that they can be vaccinated without pain or fear.
The Prikpraat comic strip is aimed at children. It explains how vaccines work and what happens before a vaccine can be given to children. Download the comic strip about vaccines for children of CBG-meb.nl (in Dutch).
Side effects
Your child may experience side effects after their coronavirus vaccination. Side effects are usually mild and short-lasting, for example muscle ache or a fever. Side effects usually pass within a few days. The most common side effects are:
- soreness at the injection site
- tiredness
- headache
- a fever
- redness at the injection site
- muscle ache
- chills