The FDA has approved the PFizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 and up. Similar to adults, this vaccination involves 2 doses 3 weeks apart, however each dose is of a lower strength. According to Mayo Clinic, 5-11 year olds are given a dose of 10 micrograms, which is about a third of what adults are given. Research has shown that the vaccine is 91% effective for children ages 5-11. Children ages 12-15 and teens ages 16-18 are both given the same dose as adults, which has shown to be 100% effective in the former and 96% effective against the delta variant in the latter. (1)

The delta variant has proved to be more transmissible than any other variant to date. Recently, there has been an increase in COVID cases amongst children, which is why it is important for them to also get vaccinated. The minimal side effects of the vaccine most certainly outweigh the long-term effects of the virus itself.