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 Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 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 or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as adults.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech 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 shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine three weeks after their first shot.

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 ForPfizer-BioNTechModernaJ&J/JanssenNovavax
5 MONTHS AND UNDERNoNoNoNo
6 MONTHS — 11 YEARS OLDYesYesNoNo
12 — 17 YEARS OLDYesYesNoNo
18 YEARS AND OLDERYesYesYesYes

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 Months and Older


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

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