Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccination for Children

COVID-19 Vaccination for Children
Updated May 12, 2023
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COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have been updated as of April 19. Learn more.

Children Can Get COVID-19

family-in-line-at-pharmacy

Some children with COVID-19 feel fine.
Some children with COVID-19 feel bad.
Some children with COVID-19 get really sick.
Children can spread COVID-19 to family and other people.

COVID-19 vaccination for children is important

COVID-19 vaccines help keep children from getting really sick from COVID-19.
Your child can get the COVID-19 vaccine even if they already have other medical conditions.
Children who have already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccination helps keep children safer in school.

COVID-19 vaccination is for children 6 months and older and is safe

COVID-19 vaccination is safe for children 6 months and older.
Children cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

After children get the COVID-19 vaccine

Some children will feel fine after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some children may feel sick after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some children may feel tired after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Your child should feel better in a few days.
Call your doctor if you are worried about how your child feels.

Finding the COVID-19 vaccine for your child is easy

The COVID-19 vaccine is free.
Ask your doctor or a local pharmacy, clinic, or health department if they have the COVID-19 vaccine for your child or teen.
Text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens near you.

For more information visit Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.