CLEVELAND, Ohio - With school back in session for children across the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, parents may be wondering how necessary a COVID-19 booster shot is for their child. A pediatrician from Cleveland Clinic is weighing in on that discussion.

Cleveland Clinic pediatrician Dr. Kimberly Giuliano says with respiratory viruses typically peaking during the fall and winter months, the extra protection of a booster dose is recommended.

"The prevention only works if you do it ahead of time. Waiting until a wave is here, and high rates are here, you're potentially going to be at risk in the interim," Dr. Giuliano said.

CDC guidelines say children aged five years old and over can get a COVID-19 booster dose. If the child is not immunocompromised, a Pfizer booster is recommended five months after the primary vaccine series.

A second booster is recommended for kids aged 12 years old and over who are immunocompromised.

Dr. Giuliano says the immunity from the primary vaccine series deteriorates over time and recommends children get their booster doses sooner rather than later.

"If a child goes an extended period of time between their first vaccine series and their booster, they are at risk again of contracting illness as well as risk for more complications of severe disease," Dr. Giuliano said.

Dr. Giuliano says it's safe for children to get their COVID-19 boosters at the same time as other routine vaccines.