COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. Learn more and schedule a vaccine appointment.

Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. Vaccination and booster appointments are available at a number of pediatric primary care clinics throughout the region. Children and teens ages 6 months to 17 years should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What You Need to Know about Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination and Boosters

Kids ages 6 months and older can get the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The number of shots needed to complete the primary vaccine series, depends on your child's age, health and which vaccine they get. Some children ages 5+ who have a weakened immune system need additional primary does. Ask your child's pediatrician how many does your child needs.
After completing the primary vaccine series, the CDC recommends boosters for children ages 5+ who are eligible. Updated boosters that offer additional protection are now available. Use the CDC's COVID-19 booster tool to find out if and when your child can get a booster.
It's a good idea to drink plenty of water and eat a meal before getting a vaccine.
At vaccination appointments, masks are required and must cover the mouth and nose. Masks should not be work by children under 2 years old.
Plan to stay for 15 minutes after your child gets their shot. This is a safety guideline set by the CDC. We encourage children and teens to bring items to keep busy during this time.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts graphic

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?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, a new type of vaccine that was developed using technology that researchers have 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, like the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine, 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.

Should I be worried about how quickly mRNA vaccines were created?

No. The government removed many barriers, including financial and logistical, that usually cause delays in vaccine development. Pharmaceutical companies shifted priorities away from other projects and focused all their resources on vaccine development.

Once we know the genes of a virus and its parts, mRNA vaccines are relatively quick and easy to manufacture. All the rigorous processes and safety protocols that are involved in any drug or vaccine development were followed in the creation of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

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).

Along with the CDC, our experts continue to be watchful about any unexpected side effects. For more information, visit the CDC website.

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. Since we don’t know how long immunity after COVID-19 infection lasts, we recommend vaccination even in those who already had the COVID-19 virus. In addition, vaccination after COVID-19 may offer more protection against newer variants. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s specific health needs and when they should get the vaccine or booster after having COVID-19.

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.

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