Teens & COVID-19 Vaccines
Who can get vaccinated?
Everyone 5 and older is now eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19. People ages 5 and up can get the Pfizer vaccine and people 18 and under can get the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
When will younger teens be eligible?
As of November 2, 2021 the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for teens as young as 5. Anyone under the age of 18 requires parent consent to receive the vaccine. Reseach for younger than 5 continues to make sure they are safe and effective before it becomes available for people younger than 5.
Where can I go?
Depending on where you live, you may be able to make an appointment directly with a provider. For example, if you live in New Jersey, you can make an appointment in person at Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Rockaway, New Jersey. You do not need to be a Morris County resident to receive an appointment. Or you can go to atlantichealth.org to make an appointment online or NJ COVID Finder.
*If you are under 18 a parent or guardian must go with you.
What are the side effects?
Some people panic when they get side effects from any vaccine, but the true is it means your immune system is doing its job. Side effects can range from a sore arm to tiredness, fever, or muscle aches for a day or two after the vaccine was given. It is important to mention that most people only had side effects after the 2nd vaccine.
**If you do get the vaccine and have severe side effects, tell someone and call the doctor or go to the emergency room**
If I get the vaccine, can I still give it to other people?
As more people get the vaccine, the CDC is learning how well it protects against spreading COVID-19 to people who are not vaccinated. The data is always changing, but this what we know so far:
It is very unlikely to pass COVID-19 to someone else or become infected yourself, but it is possible if you are not wearing masks in public, washing your hands, or being cautious who you see unmasked indoors.
What else should I know?
2 weeks after your second dose (or 1 if you received the J&J vaccine) you are fully protected
If you are exposed to someone who has COVID-19 2 weeks post vaccines, you do not need to quarantine unless you show symptoms.
It is safe to gather without masks in small groups with others who are also vaccinated.
What happens if I still have questions?
You can ask questions at our anonymous question portal: Have a Question? (teenhealthfx.com) or reach out to a parent or trusted adult or your family doctor.
Resources
Teens & COVID-19 vaccine.pdf (vaccinemakers.org)
Your Questions about the COVID Vaccine, Answered - NJ Family
NJ COVID Update: Morris County urges coronavirus vaccines ahead of in-person high school, college graduations - ABC7 New York (abc7ny.com)
