On June 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave final approval for kids 6 months and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing and lessening severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization for kids in this age group.
The CDC approved:
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 6 months through 4 years as a three-dose series.
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 6 months through 5 years as a two-dose series.
Children need to complete the full series following the recommended schedule to be considered protected against COVID-19 illness. These brands of vaccine require a different number of doses to become protected against illness. You must stick with one brand of vaccine for all doses – do NOT mix and match.
The COVID-19 vaccine dosage is a reduced amount for kids, and is different based on age. This is because vaccines rely on our immune systems, which change as we age. Vaccine dosing is not dependent on weight and size like medications are.
Kids 5+ can get new booster
There is an updated COVID-19 booster shot for you and your family! It will help protect you from the most severe symptoms of the original virus, plus provide increased protection against the current omicron variant that is circulating in the community.
Getting your child vaccinated at Children’s Minnesota
There are many options available to get vaccinated:
- Contact your primary care clinic. Kids 6 months and older can now be scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccination at Children’s Minnesota by scheduling a primary care clinic visit.
- Find other vaccine locations for children of all ages.
Children’s Minnesota experts in the news
Children’s Minnesota experts spoke with news outlets across the metro about what the vaccine approval means for kids ages 6 months and older.
- MPR News: COVID Vaccine for Kids: What Parents Should Know
- CBS Minnesota: Pediatrician’s advice on COVID vaccination
More questions about COVID vaccines?
See below for some answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccination. Talk with your primary care clinic about more specific questions.
Are emergency use authorized products safe?
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a tool the FDA can use to authorize the use of vaccines during a public health emergency. An EUA was issued for COVID vaccines because the risks from getting infected with COVID are much higher than risks from the vaccine. An EUA means vaccines have not completed their full studies to allow them to become licensed, but they have been carefully studied and been shown to be safe for patients. An EUA can only be granted when no adequate, approved, available alternatives exist, and when the benefits outweigh the risks.
What side effects could my child experience from the COVID-19 vaccination?
After the COVID-19 vaccination your child may have some mild-to-moderate symptoms. Kids have more active immune systems than adults. They generally respond more strongly to vaccines, which can result in symptoms such as fever, fussiness, pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. It is a sign that your child’s immune system is working. Side effects usually occur 1-2 days after the vaccination and no later than the week after vaccination. Call your health care provider if any symptoms occur, such as a worrisome or persistent rash.
Read more common questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccination and visit the Children’s Minnesota website for more information.
Alexandra Rothstein