COVID-19 Vaccines for Children & Teens

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Pediatric Populations

Children 6 months and older can get the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Children 6 months through 11 years old will receive a separate vaccine formulation denoted with an orange cap of the vaccine that has one-third the dose given to adolescents and adults, and will receive the vaccine with a smaller needle. An overview of the description of the differences in the adult/adolescent formulation and pediatric formulation is available.

COVID-19 Vaccine Dosage and Administration for Children and Teens

  • Adolescents ages 12 years and older receive the same dosage of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as adults.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for children ages 6 months through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, children ages 6 months through 11 years cannot get the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine given to adults and adolescents. In addition, children ages 6 months through 11 years receive an age-appropriate dose that is one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are also used for children ages 6 months through 11 years.
  • Unlike many medications, COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination.
  • Your child will need a second vaccine of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine three weeks after their first vaccine.

Most Children and All Teens Can Get COVID-19 Vaccines

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help prevent against COVID-19.

Authorized For
Pfizer-BioNTech
Moderna
J&J/Janssen
5 Months and Under
No No No
6 Months – 11 Years Old
Yes Yes No
12 – 17 Years Old
Yes Yes No
18 Years and Older
Yes Yes Yes

If you are looking for a non-medical immunization waiver for the COVID-19 vaccine or any other vaccination, you can find that here.  

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 Years and Older

COVID-19 Vaccinations are available for 5-11 at most pediatric healthcare offices, local pharmacies and your local health department