A child at a health service center in Tai'an, East China's Shandong province receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot on Nov 4. [Photo/VCG]

Children infected by COVID-19 virus may develop critical conditions or worse.

2. Are COVID-19 vaccine shots for children voluntary?

Yes, getting COVID-19 vaccine shots for children is completely voluntary.

However, schools are densely populated areas. If imported COVID-19 cases occur within schools, it is easy to spread the virus. Thus, it is recommended for children who meet vaccination requirements to get vaccinated.

3. How safe are COVID-19 vaccine shots for children?

Children and adolescents have good tolerance of the COVID-19 vaccines.

According to clinical trial data, the COVID-19 vaccines tested for children between the ages of 3 to 11 safe after vaccination. It showed the same level of safety as the group of 12 years old and above. The level of neutralizing antibodies created in children is also the same as that of adults.

4. What are the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccine shots for children?

The main potential side effects are fever and pain around the area of inoculation.