COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

Vaccination appointments are available at pediatric primary care clinics throughout the region, and we encourage parents to discuss the benefits of vaccination with their child’s pediatrician. If you need a pediatrician for your child, you can find one online. Children and teens should be accompanied by a parent or guardian when getting a vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brenner Children’s medical experts answer questions about how safe and effective the COVID-19 vaccine is for children ages 6 months and up.

What is an mRNA vaccine?

mRNA vaccines have been studied for decades. In fact, the technology was originally developed in case we needed to mass-produce vaccines for a pandemic.

The mRNA vaccine teaches our cells how to make a protein that looks like a piece of the COVID-19 virus. That protein is called a spike protein and is found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. The spike protein triggers an immune response in the body. Basically, the body is tricked into thinking it has the virus and therefore makes antibodies against the virus. The antibodies protect you from getting sick if you are exposed to or infected with the virus.

Can children and teens get COVID-19 from the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. mRNA vaccines don't contain the COVID-19 virus and they cannot cause COVID-19.

These vaccines also don’t affect DNA. The mRNA never enters the nucleus, where the DNA is housed. Once the mRNA is used to make the protein that triggers the immune response, the body gets rid of the mRNA.

What side effects should children and teens expect after getting vaccinated?

Like adults, children and teens may experience side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. They’re typically mild and temporary.

In children ages 4 and older, the most common side effects are fatigue (tiredness), headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes and redness or pain where the shot was given.

In children ages 3 and younger, the most common side effects are pain where the shot was given, swollen lymph nodes, irritability or crying, sleepiness and loss of appetite (not hungry).

Will the vaccine affect my child’s future fertility?

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes any problems with pregnancy or conception. There is also no evidence that the vaccine causes any issues with development or puberty.

If my child already had COVID-19, is it still safe to get the vaccine?

Yes. The COVID‑19 vaccine is safe after a COVID infection. Because immunity after infection decreases over time, vaccination can provide added protection, including against circulating variants. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about your child’s specific health needs and the best timing for vaccination.

If my child has a chronic condition, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, should they still get the vaccine?

We encourage most children (and adults) with chronic conditions to get vaccinated. This is because their risk of severe COVID-19 infection is greater. If you have specific concerns, talk to your child’s doctor.

Where can my child get the vaccine?

You can schedule an appointment at one of our pediatric clinics or talk with your child’s pediatrician.