Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

Protect Your Child from COVID-19, the Flu, and Other Illnesses

Protect Your Child from COVID-19, the Flu, and Other Illnesses

Help Your Child Stay Healthy at School

Updated Apr. 27, 2023
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What You Need to Know

  • During the school year, kids tend to get sick more often — and spread germs to their friends and classmates.
  • COVID-19 can cause serious health problems, so it’s more important than ever to protect your child’s health.
  • You can help your child stay healthy and protect the people around them all school year long.

Ask your child’s doctor what vaccines and boosters they need

Vaccines help protect kids from getting very sick from COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses. Ask your child’s doctor what vaccines and boosters they need to stay healthy. If it’s been a while since your child has seen the doctor, now is a good time to make an appointment for a checkup.

Who needs to get vaccinated?

  • Children ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.
  • Children ages 5 years and older should also get a COVID-19 booster.

It’s especially important for children who have disabilities or chronic health conditions to get vaccinated, because they are more likely to get very sick if they catch COVID-19 or the flu.

Learn More: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters

My child has a disability. How can I support them when they get their vaccine?

Boy in wheelchair with a healthcare provider speaking to him while squatting so she's at eye level

Sometimes, children and teens with disabilities may struggle with vaccines. When you’re making an appointment for your child to get vaccinated, you can let staff or volunteers know your child might need some accommodations.

For example, you could:

  • Ask if your child can get vaccinated in your vehicle or in a quiet room away from crowds
  • Ask for sensory modifications, like turning off bright lights
  • Ask the vaccine provider to explain what they’re going to do and when they’re going to do it, so your child
    knows what’s going to happen
  • Ask the provider to give your child any other vaccines they may need during the same appointment

Learn More: Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Where can my child get vaccinated?

In addition to doctor’s offices, many pharmacies, clinics, and health departments offer vaccines. You can visit vaccines.gov and enter your ZIP code to find a vaccine location near you. To find a COVID-19 vaccine, you can also:

  • Text your ZIP code to 438829
  • Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY: 888-720-7489)

Keep your child home if they’re not feeling well

Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu to other people. Children who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, like cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home.

Learn More: Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19

Remind your child to wash their hands

When your child heads off to school, remind them to wash their hands before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after recess.

Learn More: Handwashing

Teach your child to cover coughs and sneezes

Ask your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Then, throw used tissues in the trash. If there aren’t any tissues nearby, encourage your child to cover their nose and mouth with their elbow.

Consider having your child wear a mask to school

A group of teenagers walk down a school hallway, and one student is being pushed down the hall in his wheelchair. Everyone is wearing facemasks.

Children ages 2 years and older can also wear masks to school. If your child has a disability or chronic health condition, wearing a mask can give extra protection to help them stay healthy. Masks also help to prevent children from spreading COVID-19 to other people around them. Make sure the mask covers your child’s nose and mouth.

Learn More: Masks

Take care of your child’s mental health

The past few years have been a stressful time for many families, and some children may have trouble adjusting to new routines and relationships at school. Changing routines can be especially challenging for children with cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities such as autism.

Talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.

Learn More: Mental Health Resources to Help Support Children