Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Find the latest information:
Aquatics FAQs
Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
COVID-19 Homepage

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.

UPDATE

Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Updated July 21, 2022

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Illustrations of children getting vaccinations at different places and showing a benefit of vaccination.

About Vaccination for Children and Teens

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. Use CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when your child or teen can get boosters to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccines for Children and Teens
Why Children and Teens Should Get Vaccinated
Vaccine Safety in Children and Teens

COVID-19 Vaccine Dosage Is Based on Age on the Day of Vaccination, Not on Size or Weight

Children get a smaller dose of COVID-19 vaccine than teens and adults that is the right amount for their age group.

COVID-19 primary series vaccination for children and teens

Child’s Age

Pfizer-BioNTech

Moderna

J&J/Janssen

6 months – 4 years old

Child’s Age

6 months – 4 years old

3-dose primary series

Pfizer-BioNTech

3-dose primary series

2-dose primary series

Moderna

2-dose primary series

Not authorized

J&J/Janssen

Not authorized

5 – 17 years old

Child’s Age

5 – 17 years old

2-dose primary series

Pfizer-BioNTech

2-dose primary series

Moderna

2-dose primary series

Not authorized

J&J/Janssen

Not authorized

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and dosage for children and teens, visit:

For information on an additional primary dose for children who have a weakened immune system, visit COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised.

Learn more about recommended COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Learn 6 Things to Know about Vaccination for Children

Children and Teens Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

Children and teens ages 5 through 17 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised will need a third dose to complete their primary series, as well as boosters if eligible. Children and teens with a weakened immune system should get:

1 booster if they are ages 5 through 11 years
2 boosters if they are ages 12 years and older