The federal government provides the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their health insurance status. Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccination. You can also check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available for children. Contact your state, territorial, local, or tribal health department for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Dosage and Administration for Children and Teens
Unlike many medications, the COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination. Adolescents ages 12 years and older receive the same dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as adults. However, children ages 5 through 11 years receive an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adults and adolescents cannot be used for children ages 5 through 11 years. If a child turns from 11 to 12 years of age between their first and second doses, the second dose should be the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 12 years and older. However, if the child receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 for their second dose, they do not need to repeat the dose.
Preparing Children and Teens for Vaccination
The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to getting routine vaccines. Use these tips to support your child before, during, and after routine vaccinations when they get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Talk to your child before vaccination about what to expect.
- It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects.
- Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies your child may have.
- To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, your child should be seated or lying down during vaccination for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
- After your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so your child can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.
The chart below shows the vaccines available for children and teens:
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