Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children and Teens

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children and Teens
Updated Oct. 23, 2023

What You Need to Know

Recommendations for Everyone Aged 5 Years and Older

Everyone aged 5 years and older  should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. None of the updated COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.

Children aged 5–11 years who are not vaccinated or have gotten previous COVID-19 vaccine(s)

Children aged 5–11 years who are unvaccinated or

Children aged 5–11 years who have previously gotten a COVID-19 vaccine before September 12, 2023, should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

People aged 12 years and older who are not vaccinated

People aged 12 years and older who are unvaccinated should get either:

  • updated Pfizer-BioNTech or updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, OR
  • 2 doses of an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

People aged 12 years and older who got previous COVID-19 vaccine(s)

  • People aged 12 years and older who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. 

    ‡12 years and older: People aged 12 years and older who have not previously gotten any COVID-19 vaccine doses and choose to get Novavax should get 2 doses of an updated Novavax vaccine to be up to date.

Recommendations for Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years

Children Who Are Not Vaccinated

Children aged 6 months–4 years should get two or three doses of an updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider about the recommended dose.

Children Who Got Previous COVID-19 Vaccine(s)

Children aged 6 months–4 years who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get one or two doses of an updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider about the recommended dose.

Clinical Trials and Safety Monitoring Show That COVID-19 Vaccination Is Safe for Children and Teens

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most extensive safety analysis in U.S. history. Because the updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024 are very similar to the previous mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, their safety is firmly supported by data from earlier clinical trials and from complementary vaccine safety monitoring systems. The updated COVID-19 vaccines now available in the United States will provide better protection against variants currently making people sick. CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, keep people informed of findings, and use data to make COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.

COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects

The most common reactions reported following COVID-19 vaccination are minor, including pain, redness, and swelling where the shot was given, a headache, fever, muscle aches, chills, or fatigue. A severe allergic reaction, like anaphylaxis, is rare. If your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine and you think they might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

If you have concerns about allergies and COVID-19 vaccines, you should speak with a doctor or primary healthcare provider before vaccination. They may consider referring you or your child to an allergist-immunologist.

Serious Health Problems Among Children and Teens after COVID-19 Vaccination Are Rare

Serious reactions after COVID-19 vaccination in children and teens are rare. A severe reaction may happen after any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccines. Through national vaccine reporting systems, CDC ensures COVID-19 vaccine safety and monitors rare reactions among children and teens including rare reports of anaphylaxis, myocarditis, and febrile seizures. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination and possible severe complications continue to outweigh any potential risks.

Research on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children

For a complete list of research, visit Vaccine Safety Publications.

How to Get your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are covered by insurance, including private insurance, Medicare plans, and Medicaid plans. Uninsured children and uninsured adults also have access through the Vaccine for Children Program and Bridge Access Program.