The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the COVID vaccine for all young children age 6 months through 23 months. Children younger than 2 years old are at highest risk for severe COVID-19. Beyond that age, it recommends the vaccine for children and teens with risk factors for COVID.
The vaccine also should be available for children ages 2-18 who do not fall into these risk groups, but whose parent wants them to have COVID vaccine protection.
Getting the COVID vaccine is the safest and most dependable way to build immunity and avoid serious illness.
Who SHOULD receive the COVID vaccine?
- All children age 6 months through age 23 months, since they are at high risk for severe COVID and hospitalization.
- Children and teens age 2 years through 18 years with these risk factors:
- Health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID
- Living in long-term care facilities or other group settings
- Never having been vaccinated against COVID
- Having household contacts who are at high risk for severe COVID
Who CAN receive the COVID vaccine?
Children age 2 through 18 years without risk factors can get a single dose of the updated COVID vaccine.
All approved COVID-19 vaccines are effective in helping prevent severe cases of COVID-19.
Side effects of the vaccine include swelling or redness at the injection site, fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, chills and nausea. Most people have no side effects. Talk with your pediatrician if you have vaccine questions or concerns.