New omicron variant spreading across Missouri; COVID vaccine recommend on children as young as 6 months old

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use on children starting at 6 months old.

The FDA already approved the Pfizer vaccine in children starting at the age of 4, but has now lowered the age range to 6 months old.

Moderna was not previously approved for use on minors, but the FDA amended the emergency use to include individuals from 6 months through 17 years old according to its website.

The Columbia-Boone Health and Human Services reported there have been 1,622 COVID cases for children under the age of 5 in Boone County, and there have been 152 total new cases reported since Wednesday.

MU Health Care COVID-19 Vaccine Co-Chair, Laura Morris, said vaccines are safe for children, and said that the side effects of the shot are similar to what adults may experience.

"The most common side effects include things like a sore arm or redness at the site where the injection occurred," said Morris.

Morris said there are some symptoms that are common, like "fussiness is expected, kids might be sleep, or seem like they're kind of off their appetite for a little while, and those are all normal and expected."

However, "a high fever is something that could be of concern, and of course, any symptoms that are respiratory like a sore throat or a cough. Those are not side effects." said Morris. Morris said if your child is having trouble breathing or an unresponsive fever, should take their kids to a medical professional.

Morris also said that the Omicron variant, BA.5 is in Missouri, and is spreading quickly.

"BA.5 seems to be taking off here in the United States and has recently become the most common detected variant, as reported by the CDC," said Morris.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) lists Boone County as a high risk for community transmission levels.

The CDC recommends

• Wearing a mask indoors in public
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get Tested if you have symptoms
• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

"So I think we are experiencing another surge," Morris said hospitals are experiencing the uptick in cases. "As a health care professional, I can tell you that we are seeing that, we're feeling that through our clinics, and through our emergency room, through our hospitals."

The Missouri Sewershed Surveillance Project reported that it has found every Omicron Variant, including BA.4 and BA.5 in most of Missouri.

BA.5 is reported to be more transmissible than previous variants and is more resistant to both natural immunity, and vaccines. "It seems to be changed enough, different enough from the previous Omicron variants that people may not be protected with immunity from the vaccine."

The CDC is recommending wearing a mask indoors, however, they are not required by local government at this time.