Children Are Susceptible to COVID-19 Too
It is important to remember that anyone, at any age, can get severely ill from COVID-19. In general, children have been less affected by severe COVID-19 disease compared with adults. However, children with health conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, diabetes and obesity can be at higher risk for severe illness when compared with children who do not have health conditions. Children who have not been vaccinated are at increased risk for developing one rare, but potentially serious condition associated with COVID-19 is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).
Vaccination Is the Best Protection Against COVID-19 Illness
There are ways to help prevent COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective and are the best way to protect your child. Vaccines not only provide protection against COVID-19, but can also help prevent serious illness and hospitalization if your child becomes sick.
Vaccine Availability for Children
COVID-19 vaccines are available for ages 5 and older and clinical trials are ongoing for children 6 months and older. Moderna recently asked FDA to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 6. The FDA is scheduled to meet in late June to review the data. Learn more about the process for emergency use authorization.
There is currently no COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of age.
Ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in children are available. Clinical trials determine whether a new treatment or, in this case, vaccine works and is safe for people to use.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability for Children
Vaccine | Age | Booster Eligibility | Second Booster Eligibility |
Pfizer-BioNTech | 5 and older | One booster, 5 months after primary series | 12 and older who are immunocompromised |
Frequently Asked Questions about Kids and COVID-19 Vaccination
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Page last updated: May 20, 2022