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 For | Pfizer-BioNTech | Moderna | J&J/Janssen | Novavax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 MONTHS AND UNDER | No | No | No | No |
| 6 MONTHS — 11 YEARS OLD | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 12 — 17 YEARS OLD | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 18 YEARS AND OLDER | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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.