In the United States, everyone aged 5 and older is currently eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that all eligible children ages 5 and older get immunized against COVID-19 as soon as they can. At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is the only option currently authorized for children. It was found to give kids strong protection against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant.
Before the COVID-19 vaccines were authorized by the FDA, clinical trials showed vaccines to be remarkably safe and effective for children ages 5 and up. Trials included thousands of children who were closely monitored by pediatricians and experts to help ensure safety.
Children may also safely get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other immunizations, including the flu vaccine.
The federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Getting your child immunized will protect them from getting COVID-19. Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19 than adults, they can still catch the virus, get sick, and spread COVID-19 to others. The vaccines will help protect the people around them, including family members, those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or those who can’t get vaccinated.
For more information on COVID Vaccines for Children, go to the following websites: www.greaterthancovid.org or www.cdc.gov.
Sources: CDC and Greater Than COVID