What to know about COVID-19 vaccines for children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine for most adults. Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with their health care provider.

Jeffrey Kahn, M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern, reminds parents that there are many benefits of COVID vaccines. He answers some common questions to help parents feel more confident and informed.

What COVID vaccines are available to kids?

The 2024-2025 COVID vaccines have been developed to provide protection against the variants of the virus that are currently circulating. This helps the body build a new response to those new variants. The available COVID vaccines and boosters are:

• Pfizer vaccine: The Pfizer vaccine is available for anyone 6 months or older.

• Moderna vaccine: The Moderna vaccine is available for anyone 6 months or older.

• Novavax vaccine: This Novavax vaccine is available for children 12 and older.

Learn more about how the types of COVID vaccines work.

Are there annual booster shots for COVID?

Yes. The CDC recommends that most adults 18 years and older get an updated COVID vaccine (also called a booster) in the fall or winter. Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with their health care provider.

Are COVID vaccines for children different than the ones for adults?

COVID vaccines for children are the same vaccines approved for adults. But children receive a smaller dose of the vaccine because their immune systems are still developing.

Are COVID vaccines safe for children?

Yes, COVID vaccines are both safe and effective for children.

"COVID-19 vaccines are very well-tolerated in children, and millions of doses have now been given safely," Dr. Kahn says.

Dr. Kahn hopes parents will review trustworthy information about the safety and importance of COVID vaccines for their kids. Doing this research can help dispel common myths about the vaccine.

What are the benefits of getting an updated COVID vaccine?

According to the CDC, there are a few important reasons to get an updated COVID vaccine, including:

• Reduces risk of getting critically ill with COVID

• Reduces risk of being hospitalized for COVID

• Reduces risk of long COVID

• Helps to protect vulnerable people you may come in contact with, like grandparents and those with weakened immune systems

Are there side effects of COVID vaccines in children?

Children may experience some of the same COVID vaccine side effects as adults, including:

• Pain in the arm near the shot site

• Tiredness

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Nausea

These side effects typically go away 1-2 days after vaccination.

Are COVID vaccines safe for children with chronic health conditions?

Yes, COVID vaccines are safe for children with chronic health conditions.

Children with underlying medical conditions – including obesity, diabetes, sickle cell disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease and more – may be more likely to get severely ill if they get COVID.

Visit our COVID resource page for more information.

Find care for your child

Children's Health Primary Care offers comprehensive health care for children from birth through young adulthood. Our pediatricians combine quality care with evidence-based practice to meet your child’s medical needs. Learn more and find a pediatrician.