Corona vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Corona vaccination: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination has protected against severe cases and helped to contain the spread of the virus.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
- Called 133 times.
Corona (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by the coronavirus that primarily affects the respiratory tract.
After the Vaccination may cause mild reactions such as pain at the injection site, tiredness, headaches or muscle aches. These usually disappear after a few days.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, which is triggered by certain coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2). The symptoms and the course of the disease can vary greatly depending on the patient.
Symptoms include coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Although a COVID-19 vaccination does not prevent infection, the course of the disease is usually much shorter and milder.
Coronavirus: symptoms and course of the disease
The The severity of the symptoms differs from case to case. While the infectious disease is completely asymptomatic in some people, others may show severe symptoms. In the worst case, the disease can lead to death.
The most common symptoms include
Fever
Cough and sore throat
Shortness of breath
General weakness and tiredness
Muscle pain
Loss of sense of taste and/or smell
In individual cases, severe Breathing difficulties and pneumonia which can be fatal. In addition, pathological changes in important organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart and central nervous system have been observed.
Long COVID: symptoms and incidence
Long COVID refers to the long-term health consequences, patients have to contend with after being infected with the virus. These mainly include breathing difficulties, exhaustion and reduced performance.
In fact, these consequences can affect anyone - regardless of whether the course of the disease was mild or severe. The risk factors involved are still unclear. not finally clarified. Only the symptoms are treated, and the symptoms subside on their own over time.
Transmission of the virus
The coronavirus is primarily through droplets e.g. when sneezing, coughing, speaking or via the air we breathe. However, transmission through shaking hands or contact with contaminated objects is also possible. At least if the virus subsequently finds its way into the mucous membranes.
According to estimates by the European health authorities almost all people have come into contact with SARS-CoV-2 in Europe and have thus built up a certain degree of protection. This immunity does not, however, prevent re-infection, which can lead to severe discomfort and long-term consequences.
Does a COVID-19 vaccination make sense?
Yes, a COVID-19 vaccination is very useful in the vast majority of cases. Because it reduces the risk of severe disease progression and long-term consequences, including death.
Although vaccination does not completely protect against (re)infection, the disease usually progresses after immunization. Shorter and milder. This means that serious complications with hospital stays can be largely avoided. And the likelihood of long-term consequences (long COVID) is also reduced.
During the pandemic, there were also occasional reports in Austria about a Compulsory vaccination discussed and a corresponding law was passed. This was intended to apply to large groups of the population and was part of a government plan of measures and vaccinations to protect as many people as possible.
However, the general vaccination requirement never came into force permanently and was later repealed. Today the COVID-19 vaccination voluntary and is still recommended for certain groups of people.
Vaccines against corona
In the case of viruses, spontaneous mutations, i.e. changes in the pathogens, occur again and again. The vaccines are therefore always adapted to current variants, to provide better protection.
Currently approved against COVID-19, the vaccines on this list (Status March 2026):
Bimervax XBB.1.16 and Bimervax LP.8.1 - Hipra Human Health (from 12 years)
Bimervax (for booster vaccination) - Hipra Human Health (from 12 years)
Comirnaty JN.1, Comirnaty KP.2 or Comirnaty LP.8.1 - BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH (from 6 months)
Kostaive - Seqirus Netherlands B.V. (from 18 years)
mNEXSPIKE - Moderna Biotech Spain, S.L. (aged 12 and over)
Nuvaxovid, Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 or Nuvaxovid JN.1 - Sanofi Winthrop Industrie (from the age of 12)
Spikevax JN.1 or Spikevax LP.8.1 - Moderna Biotech Spain, S.L. (from 6 months)
Vaccine doses depending on age
The dose of the vaccines is depending on age adapted. Children receive a smaller amount of the active substance than adolescents or adults.
This is because their immune system reacts differently and can build up good protection even with a smaller dose. So a effective immune response and at the same time reduces the risk of side effects.
For the vaccine Comirnaty from BioNTech the situation is as follows:
3 micrograms for children from 6 months to 4 years of age
10 micrograms for children between 5 and 11 years of age
30 micrograms for adolescents aged 12 and over and adults
In children between 6 months and 4 years of age who are not yet infected, the Complete basic immunization in three vaccine doses instead. One dose is sufficient for children between the ages of 5 and 11. And even after an infection, one dose as a booster is sufficient for most children.
Procedure for the corona vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccination is available free of charge in Austria and can in principle already be from the age of 6 months (depending on the vaccine). Children and adolescents must be given the Vaccination be accompanied by a person with parental authority.
For many people, one Annual vaccination, to significantly reduce the risk of a severe course. This is usually recommended in the fall and is carried out with a vaccine adapted to current virus variants.
It does not matter whether you have already been vaccinated before or whether you have already had COVID-19. The vaccination is particularly useful for People at increased risk:
People with chronic illnesses or a weakened immune system
Persons over the age of 60
Pregnant women
Very overweight people
Persons with disabilities
People who are cared for in retirement and nursing homes
Important: Children who regularly attend community facilities such as nurseries can also benefit from this. If necessary, the COVID-19 vaccination can be given at the same time as the Flu vaccination be administered.
Booster vaccination against COVID-19
The booster vaccination against COVID-19 is usually administered in Austria once a year recommended. The best time to do this is usually in the fall, before the number of infections rises again.
The refresher course is particularly important for People at increased risk for a severe course of the disease, e.g. in the case of chronic illnesses. People who wish to renew their protection can also receive the vaccination at any time after consulting a doctor.
Side effects after the corona vaccination
As with other vaccinations, vaccination reactions or side effects can occur after the corona vaccination. Mild symptoms are common, such as Pain at the injection site, tiredness, headaches or muscle aches. These usually subside after a few days.
After vaccination, it is recommended that you take it easy physically for three days and to refrain from intensive sport for a week. More severe reactions are very rare.
If you have any questions about the vaccination or are unsure, we will be happy to advise you personally at the Ordination Glückskind. There you will receive detailed Information on the procedure, side effects and possible risks the COVID-19 vaccination. We discuss the individual situation together and clarify any unanswered questions.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccination helps the immune system to Recognize coronavirus more quickly and combat it. This significantly reduces the likelihood of a severe course of the disease, hospitalization or complications.
The risk of infecting other people can also be reduced by vaccination. It offers important protection, especially for people at increased risk.
Which coronavirus vaccines are available in Austria?
In Austria, mainly mRNA vaccines used against COVID-19. These include vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna. These vaccines are regularly adapted to new virus variants. There are specially adapted doses for children depending on their age.
Was coronavirus vaccination compulsory in Austria?
Yes, at the beginning of 2022 Austria General corona vaccination obligation was decided. However, it was suspended only a short time later and eventually repealed. Vaccination is no longer mandatory. The COVID-19 vaccination is therefore voluntary, but is still recommended.