How the Vaccine is Given to Babies and Young Children
COVID-19 vaccines are administered by injection, typically into the upper arm muscle. The dose and route of administration vary depending on the specific vaccine.
What to Expect During and After Vaccination
During vaccination, your child may experience mild discomfort from the injection. After vaccination, some children may experience common side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, or fever.
How to Soothe and Comfort a Fussy Child After Vaccination
- Cuddle and Comfort: Hold your child close and offer comfort.
- Feed Your Child: Offering a favorite snack or drink can help soothe your child.
- Distract with Toys: Use favorite toys or activities to distract and comfort your child.
Types of COVID-19 Vaccines
As of January 2022, the following vaccines had been evaluated and met the WHO criteria for safety and efficacy, and approved for emergency use listing:
- AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine
- Johnson and Johnson
- Moderna
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- COVAXIN
- Covovax
- Nuvaxovid
In Kenya, COVID-19 vaccines deployed for use, some under emergency use authorization by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, include:
- mRNA vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna)
- Viral vectored vaccines (AstraZeneca and Janssen)
- Inactivated vaccines (Sinopharm)
Vaccine Characteristics, Content, Dosage, Administration, and Storage
Vaccine Characteristics
COVID-19 vaccines use various technologies, including mRNA, viral vectors, and inactivated viruses, to stimulate an immune response.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration vary depending on the specific vaccine. Generally, vaccines are administered intramuscularly, with the number of doses ranging from one to three, depending on the vaccine.
Storage
Storage requirements vary depending on the specific vaccine. mRNA vaccines typically require ultra-cold storage, while other vaccines may require refrigeration. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage.
Contraindications
The main contraindication to COVID-19 vaccines is severe allergic reactions to any of the vaccine components.
Co-administration
COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with other routine vaccines.
Vaccine Safety
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and well-tolerated. There is a small risk of side effects, including allergic reactions and rare conditions such as myocarditis or TTS.
Vaccination of Special Populations
Malnourished or HIV-positive individuals should be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines using a standard schedule. These individuals are at particular risk from COVID-19 infection, and the vaccines have been shown to be safe in these groups.
