COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Although fewer children have been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread COVID-19 to others. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older to help protect against COVID-19. Children 12 years of age and older are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Your Child

• Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available.
• Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they will offer COVID-19 vaccination.
• Contact your state or local health department for more information.

Help Protect Your Child and Your Family

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect your child from getting COVID-19, and also help keep your child from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19. Help protect your whole family by getting yourself and your children 12 years of age and older vaccinated against COVID-19.

Early data show that the vaccines may help keep people from spreading COVID-19 to others, and we are learning more as more people get vaccinated. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. Getting your child or teen vaccinated can bring you one step closer to enjoying the activities you miss.

Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Get a COVID-19 vaccine for your child as soon as you can.

• Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
• The COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in adolescents.
• Your child will need a second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 3 weeks after their first shot.
• Your child can’t get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Prepare for your child’s vaccination visit.

• Get tips for how to support your child before, during, and after the visit.
• Talk to your child before the visit about what to expect.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any allergies to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
• Comfort your child during the appointment.
• To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, your child should be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
• After your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so your child can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.

Possible side effects

Your child may have some side effects, which are normal signs that their body is building protection.

On the arm where you got the shot:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

Throughout the rest of your body:

• Pain, redness or swelling where you got the shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.

Ask your child’s healthcare provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child. It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.

After your child is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, your family may be able to start doing some things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic. Learn more about what your child and your family can do when you have been fully vaccinated.

Get started with v-safe

Ask your child’s about getting started with v-safe, a free, smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after your child receives a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can report any side effects your child may have after vaccination. V-safe also reminds you to get your child’s second dose. Learn more about v-safe.

Cost of vaccines

You will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:

• Charge you for the vaccine.
• Charge you any administration fees, copays, coinsurance, or the balance of the bill after appropriate reimbursement.
• Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
• Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
• Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate.

Créditos: Comité científico Covid