Vaccines for 5-17
It is recommended that everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster when eligible, to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccinating children can help protect family members who are at increased risk for getting sick if they are infected or are not yet eligible for vaccination. Vaccination can help keep kids in school and safely participate in group activities. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5 – 15 and approved for teens 16 – 17. COVID-19 vaccine dosage varies by age on the day of vaccination.
Youth ages 12 years and older receive the same dose as adults
Children ages 5 through 11 receive a half dose.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children contains the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and youth 12+.
A second shot of the vaccine should be administered three weeks after the first dose.
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 at the injection site, or headache, chills and fever. These symptoms should go away in a few days.
Individuals 12 and older who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 5 months ago, or 18 and older who received the second dose of the Moderna vaccine at least five months ago, or the J&J vaccine two months ago, should get their booster dose. Booster doses are not yet recommended for children ages 5 – 11.