Vaccines for children and teens

COVID-19 vaccines for kids are safe

Clinical trials and real-world data show that it is safe for children as young as 6 months old to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

COVID-19 vaccines for children work the same way as vaccines for adults. But the dose is smaller to make sure it’s safe and gives the best possible protection for each age group.

Thousands of families volunteered to make sure the vaccines for kids are safe and work well. Thanks to their help, more families can make the choice to get protected now, too.

The vaccines work well to prevent severe illness

The vaccine works well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death among children. A CDC report from March 2022 showed that getting vaccinated with two doses was 73% to 94% effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization among children aged 5 to 17. 

Most vaccine side effects are mild and temporary

The side effects in children are similar to the side effects experienced by adults. They can include tiredness, headache, soreness, chills, and fever. In clinical trials and real world data, children tended to have milder side effects than teens and adults. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own after a day or two. Mild side effects are a normal sign the body is building protection and are common with other routine childhood vaccines, too.

Kids need multiple doses of the vaccine to get protected

The exact number and timing of doses depend on your child’s age, health conditions, and which vaccine they originally received. Children aged 6 months and older should receive an omicron vaccine at least two months after finishing their primary series or receiving an original booster dose. Children aged 6 months through 4 years who received the omicron vaccine as their third dose in the Pfizer primary series do not need additional doses at this time.

For more information about when to schedule your child’s vaccines, use our vaccine dose calculator.

Children can get routine vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine

It is safe for your child to receive other routine vaccines on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine. You may be able to include other routine vaccinations at the appointment, which are vital for keeping kids protected from other preventable illnesses. If pandemic-related disruptions interrupted your child’s vaccine schedule, now is a great time to get back on track.

Children don't need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at their vaccine appointments

The state of Colorado does not require minors to be accompanied as long as parental consent is collected and shared prior to the appointment. This can be done through Colorado’s COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Administration Form (view in Spanish) or through the vaccine provider’s online scheduling system. The provider may also obtain consent by phone and document it in the patient’s record.

Some vaccine providers may require children to have a parent or guardian with them at their appointment. We recommend calling your provider ahead of time to check whether they require parental accompaniment.