COVID-19 Vaccine

Making the Best Decision for Your Child

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now authorized under an emergency use authorization (granted when a drug is needed for emergency use.) by the Food and Drug Administration for all ages of children 6 months and older. Through established data we know that the COVID vaccine provides many benefits and is our way to end the COVID pandemic. 

The vaccine can: 

  • Protect your child from severe COVID-19 and potential hospitalization.
  • Protect family members and friends by stopping the spread of the virus.
  • Keep them in school and return to traditional sports and other extracurricular activities.
  • Move toward elimination of mask-wearing requirements.
  • Reduce the spread of the virus within the community.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
Third Dose Vaccine
Booster Doses

COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids: Everything You Need to Know

covid vaccine

BLOG: COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children

Children ages 6 months to 5 years can now get COVID-19 vaccinations. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received emergency use authorization (granted when a drug is needed for emergency use) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We answer questions parents may still have about the need and safety of the vaccine for young children.

Little girl wearing a mask with a band-aid on her arm, giving a thumbs up.

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.

Dave Stukus, MD

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.

Patients wearing masks

Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children: What Parents Need to Know

The COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now authorized for use in children 6 months of age and older. We answer parents' questions about vaccinating their kids.

Third Dose Vaccine

According to the FDA and the CDC, a third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna, depending on age) can be administered to immunocompromised individuals following completion of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series.

Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

The third dose is recommended at least 28 days after completion of the second dose for qualifying immunocompromised people age five+ who received the Pfizer series and people age 18+ who received either the Janssen or Moderna series.

Booster Doses

Nationwide Children’s provides Pfizer and Moderna vaccine booster doses in response to approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The bivalent booster has been authorized for individuals 5 years and older as a single booster dose. To be eligible, you must:

  • Have completed your primary vaccine series at least two months prior
  • Not have received an additional booster in the last two months

The bivalent booster contains the original COVID strain and omicron subvariants BA.4/5 and is now the only authorized booster available for patients 5 years of age or older.