The CDC now recommends that children under the age of 5 receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect them from the virus. Additionally, an FDA panel recommended the authorization of the vaccine for children under 5.

As of June 2022, there are two COVID-19 vaccines available for children younger than 5. The Moderna 2-dose vaccine is available for children ages 6 months through 5 years. The Pfizer-BioNTech 3-dose vaccine is available for children ages 6 months through 4 years. Read more about the CDC’s recommendations for timing of the doses depending on the child’s age.

Children in this age group will receive a smaller vaccine dose than those who are 5 – 11 years old. There were no safety concerns or serious side effects that were noted in the clinical trials for either vaccine. Mild side effects are similar to those experienced by adults: sore arm, headache, and fatigue for a day or two. Side effects are more common after the second dose.

The CDC also recently expanded eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine booster for children older than 5 years. They recommend that all people who are eligible receive a vaccine booster.

Vaccines for this age group are already becoming available across the country. Parents can contact their doctor, nurse, pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to find available doses near them.

ABC Science Collaborative has a library of videos with parents and eligible children sharing their “vaccine why.” The library has been updated to include parents and children in the newly-eligible age group. View Carlos and Audrey’s vaccine why!