Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

The research of vaccinating children against COVID-19 was carried out simultaneously with that of adult vaccination, though the children's vaccination campaign started only recently.

A vaccine has to go through a strict procedure before being authorized for use in a specific age group. Sufficient data need to be obtained to get emergency use or market approval. So the clinical trial design has to be considered in advance. China National Biotech Group carried out a study on two- and three-dose vaccination schedules for age group 3-17 on April 12, 2020, when its inactivated vaccine was approved for clinical trials.

To get approval for emergency use for age group 3-17, data on neutralizing antibody and safety are among the required data for evaluation. Safety data includes pain, swelling and redness in any part of the body, drowsiness, common and rare adverse reactions, which need to be observed during the clinical trials.

Based on research results, the incidence of adverse reactions in children is no higher than that of adults. In general, serious adverse reaction will occur within 30 minutes of the administration.

The COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 3 to 11 has been underway for some time. So far the most frequently reported three adverse reactions are fever, pain and drowsiness.