Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for Patient Families
Caring Through COVID-19
Learn how we're keeping families safe at Nationwide Children's
Planning for Your Visit
The health and safety of our patients, families and staff has always been our top priority. During the COVID-19 pandemic our mission remains the same. With guidance from public health officials and our own medical experts, we are slowly and carefully opening our services more broadly again.
As you return to our facilities, you will notice many changes we’ve implemented to keep us all safe. First, we ask that you wear your own mask in the parking lot until you get inside the building. There you will be greeted at our masking and screening stations. When you enter the hospital or an outpatient facility, you will be provided with a mask and may be asked some questions about how you are feeling.
COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Kids 5-11
The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for children aged 5-11 under an emergency use authorization.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids: Everything You Need to Know
BLOG: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: How to Prepare Your Kids
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children 5-11 years old, it might be time to have a conversation with your kids about what the vaccine is, how getting it could make them feel, and why it’s important. Here are a few tips for having that conversation.
Click here for even more blog content about the COVID-19 vaccine and kids.
VIDEO: What would you tell my mom if she wasn’t sure about getting me vaccinated?
Dr. Dave Stukus has an important message for parents.
Click here for even more video content about the COVID-19 vaccine and kids.
Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5 -11 Years Old: What Parents Need to Know
Currently, only the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is now authorized for use in children 5 to 11 years old. We answer parents' questions about vaccinating their kids.
COVID-19 Testing Update
To access a list of COVID testing locations from the Ohio Department of Health, click here. Or visit the websites of Kroger, Walmart, CVS Pharmacy or Rite Aid stores to review their COVID test options.
Visitor and Masking Guidelines
- Per state and federal guidelines, all patients and visitors must continue wearing masks within health care facilities. Nationwide Children’s will provide a medical mask to every patient and visitor 2 years and older. The mask must be worn throughout your visit.
- Children under 2 should never wear a mask. Click here to learn why.
- Children who are outpatient (those who are coming for a clinic visit or outpatient procedure) may have two visitors.
- Children who are being seen at our Urgent Care centers or Emergency Departments may have two visitors.
- Children who are inpatient (those who are staying in the hospital) may have four visitors.
- Children may be required to be tested for COVID-19 prior to a test or procedure. Speak to your child’s care team with questions. Click here for tips on preparing kids for COVID-19 swabs.