Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA and CDC for children 6 months to 17 years. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the FDA and CDC for individuals 12 years and older. In studies, these COVID-19 vaccines reduced the rate of COVID-19 infection and provided strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Parents can learn more at NCDHHS.gov. Parental consent is required for children ages 6 months to 15 years old prior to receiving the vaccine
Pfizer
6 months to 4 years: approved as a 3 doses series 1/10th of the size of an adult dose. Second dose is given 3 weeks after the first and the third dose is given at least 8 weeks after the second, the third dose given is an updated bivalent vaccine formula. Clinical trials included 4500 children and side effects were minimal with some of the most common being pain at injection site, irritability, low fever, and fatigue. FDA Fact Sheet
Ages 5 to 11: a smaller 2-dose series for children ages 5 to 11 is given 3 weeks apart, and clinical trials with more than 3,000 children found the vaccines work and are safe. The side effects are similar to adults: a sore arm, headache, and being tired or achy for a day or two. FDA Fact Sheet
Ages 12 and older: The standard size Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for anyone ages 12 and up, and has shown very high levels of effectiveness. FDA Fact Sheet
Moderna
6 months to 5 years: approved as a 2-dose series 1/4th the size of an adult dose. Second dose is given 28 days after the first. Clinical trial included 6300 children and side effects were minimal with some of the most common being pain at injection site, irritability, low fever, and fatigue. FDA Fact Sheet
Ages 6 to 11: a smaller 2-dose series is approved for children 6 to 11 years of age given 28 days apart. FDA Fact Sheet
Ages 12 and older: the standard size Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is approved for anyone 12 and up. FDA Fact Sheet
Novavax
Ages 12 and older: the standard size Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is approved for anyone 12 and up. FDA Fact Sheet
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