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Protect Your Child from COVID-19 with a Safe, Effective Vaccine

Children under age 5 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. This means almost everyone living in the United States can now be vaccinated. And anyone over the age of 5 is eligible for both vaccines and boosters.

Children under the age of 5 are now able to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Children under the age of 5 are now able to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.

As a parent, you may have questions about how COVID-19 vaccines work and if they are the right option for your family. Remember that these vaccines are safe. 

A vaccine can keep your family from getting COVID-19. The vaccine can also protect you from severe illness if you catch the virus. 

As you prepare to send your child back to school over the next few months, it is important your child is up to date on their vaccines. That includes the COVID-19 vaccine. Up to date means your child has received all doses in a primary vaccine series, and a booster if eligible.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to these questions can help you make the best decision about the vaccines for you child.

Read on to learn more. 

  1. How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine in children under 5?

    The vaccine is very effective. Both vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) cause a strong immune response in children under 5. The immune response is measured by antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

    The safety profile of both vaccines was very similar. Pain and redness at the injection site were the most common side effects. Most side effects were mild to moderate and resolved within 3 days of receiving the vaccine.

  2. Are there any differences between the COVID-19 vaccines?

    Yes, there are some differences. 

    Moderna is 2-dose series 4 weeks apart for children 6 months through 5 years of age.  

    The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a 3-dose regimen for children 6 months to 4 years of age.  The first two doses are 3 weeks apart. The third dose is at least 2 months after the second dose.  

  3. My child already had COVID-19. Will the vaccine benefit them?

    Yes. Getting vaccinated after having COVID-19 will give your child the best defense against new variants of the virus.

    Studies have shown people with hybrid immunity (infection plus the vaccine) have better protection than those who only had the virus or those who only were vaccinated.

    Keep in mind that the virus continues to change. The body’s defenses after getting the virus are not as protective against re-infection as the virus changes. The vaccine offers better protection.

  4. How did the COVID-19 vaccines get authorized so quickly?

    Researchers and scientists were able to build on years of data and research for these vaccines.

    The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new virus. But researchers were already studying similar viruses. This existing research gave scientists a “head start” on the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Additionally, researchers from around the world worked on the vaccine. The vaccine efforts were well-funded, too. 

  5. Are vaccines thoroughly tested to be sure they are safe?

    Yes. The FDA works with scientists, vaccine developers, and federal and state agencies to make sure vaccines meet standards for safety and effectiveness. Getting a vaccine authorized or approved is a demanding process.

  6. Can vaccines cause infertility?

    No. Vaccines do not cause infertility. This includes the COVID-19 vaccine.

  7. What side effects can occur after the COVID-19 vaccine?

    Some people do have side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine. But serious reactions are extremely rare.

    Side effects may include:

    • Temporary redness
    • Soreness
    • Swelling at the injection site
    • Headache
    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Chills
    • Nausea
    • Body aches

    These reactions are usually mild and go away in a couple of days. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help relieve some of the symptoms.

    Less common side effects, including severe allergic reactions, myocarditis, and pericarditis are very rare.

    It is also important to remember that myocarditis is more common after a COVID-19 infection than a vaccine.

  8. Do COVID-19 vaccines change your DNA?

    No. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They do not change your DNA. The mRNA from the vaccine is destroyed by the cell. It doesn’t leave a permanent trace.

Talk to your child's care team.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, your child’s care team can help. You can also read more about COVID-19 vaccines on Together.

Key Points

  • Children under age 5 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
  • COVID-19 vaccines have been thoroughly tested.
  • COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility.
  • Serious side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines are very rare. The vaccine is safer than a COVID-19 infection.
  • COVID-19 vaccines don’t change your DNA.

—
Reviewed: June 2022

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