Vaccines for Infants, Toddlers, and Children

In California, it is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose when eligible, to help protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19. Vaccinating children can help protect family members who are at higher risk for getting sick. Vaccination can help keep kids in school and safely participating in group activities. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been authorized for children aged 6 months and older. COVID-19 vaccine dosage varies by the age of the child on the day their vaccine dose.

Pfizer

• The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children contains the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to people aged 12 and older.

• Youth aged 12 and older receive the same dose as adults.

• Children aged 5 – 11 receive a lower dose than those 12 and older.

• Infants and toddlers aged 6 months – 4 years receive a lower dose than children aged 5 – 11.

Moderna

• The Moderna vaccine for children contains the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to people aged 18 and older.

• Youth aged 12 – 17 receive the same dose as those aged 18 and older.

• Youth aged 6 – 11 receive a lower dose than those aged 12 – 17.

• Infants and toddlers aged 6 months – 5 years receive a lower dose than children aged 6 – 11.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven safe and effective for children based on data from clinical trials. All COVID-19 vaccines continue to be rigorously monitored.

• People have rarely experienced severe health effects after COVID-19 vaccination.

• Children may experience side effects like pain and swelling where the shot was given, or headache, fatigue, and fever. These symptoms should go away in a few days.

Timing of Primary Series Dose(s)

Pfizer-BioNTech 3-dose series

• Ages 6 months – 4 years

  • Two monovalent doses given three to eight weeks apart

  • A third dose of a bivalent vaccine given at least eight weeks later

• Ages 5+

  • 2 doses given at least 3-8 weeks apart

Moderna 2-dose series

• Ages 6 months+

• 2 doses given at least 4-8 weeks apart

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted

• Ages 12+

• 2 doses given 4-8 weeks apart

J&J/Janssen*

• Ages 18+

• 1 dose

*CDPH recommends people receive a mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) over Johnson and Johnson. ** Based on CDC and FDA guidance, use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 (J&J) vaccine is limited to people aged 18 and older who cannot receive other COVID-19 vaccines due to medical reasons, have limited access to the other vaccines, or who elect to receive the J&J because they would otherwise not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Boosters

Everyone 6 months+ who has had two doses of their primary series should get the updated bivalent vaccine at least 2 months following their second dose.

Those under 6 years who completed their primary series of Moderna should get the Moderna bivalent booster dose at least two months after their second primary series dose.

For those under 5 years who started their primary series with Pfizer, the following options are available:

1. If 1 dose of original monovalent vaccine has been received, the child must receive another dose of original monovalent vaccine before receiving the Pfizer bivalent dose.

2. If 2 doses of original monovalent vaccine have been received, the child should receive the Pfizer bivalent dose.

3. If 3 doses of original monovalent vaccine have been received, the child may not receive a Pfizer bivalent dose at this time. The data to support giving an updated bivalent booster dose for these children are expected in January.

Get your questions answered and book your appointment today. Check with your medical care provider or local clinic for an updated bivalent vaccine appointment, or find a vaccine near you.

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Book a vaccine appointment

If you'd rather schedule your vaccine, find a convenient time on My Turn and book your appointment.

For help making it happen, call (833) 422-4255

You can also check with your healthcare provider or stop by your local pharmacy.

Pregnancy and Fertility

Evidence continues to build that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or could become pregnant in the future. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 than non-pregnant people. Research continues to show that getting COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of complications that can affect your pregnancy and developing baby, including newborn mortality, such as preterm or stillborn infant. Talk to your doctors if you feel hesitant about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 to learn the medical and scientific facts.