Help Your Child Get Vaccinated
COVID-19 Vaccines and Children: INFORMATION FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND COMMUNITIES
Who's Eligible?
All babies, toddlers, and children 6 months of age and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
#VaxforKids - resources to promote the COVID-19 vaccine for 6 months and older.
#VaxtoSchool - resources to promote the COVID-19 vaccine for school age kids in grades K-12.
VACCINATING YOUR BABY OR TODDLER AGAINST COVID-19
The New York State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and pediatricians across New York and around the country, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that all eligible babies, toddlers, and children 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
If you’re the parent of a baby or toddler, you might be wondering whether you should get your child vaccinated against COVID-19. You may have questions, as well as some concerns, about whether it's safe, effective, and even necessary.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and provides the best possible protection for your child against getting very sick from the virus. This website has information and resources including frequently asked questions and answers, resources, and scheduling information for each eligible age group.
Kids and COVID-19
What You Need to Know
COVID-19 is Still Here
Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that pediatric cases continue to increase and more than 13 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.S since the pandemic began.
Keep Your Child Safe From COVID-19
Getting your child vaccinated can help keep them: from getting really sick if they get COVID-19; in school or day care; and safely participating in sports, playdates, and other family activities.
Help Prevent MIS-C
Children who get COVID-19 can develop serious complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). COVID-19 vaccination reduced the likelihood of MIS-C in ages 12–18 years by 91%.
Eligibility
Children ages 6 months - 17 years are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your child’s age, they may be eligible for both, and parents can choose which vaccine they’d like their child to receive. The amount of vaccine or number of doses is based on vaccine type and your child’s age. All of the COVID-19 vaccines available for children 6 months and older are safe, effective, and recommended.
Schedule Your Child’s Free COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months of age and older are free and widely available statewide, including at through pediatricians, family physicians, local county health departments, federally qualified health centers, and pharmacies enrolled in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s healthcare provider about scheduling a vaccine appointment for children under five years of age.
Parents and guardians can also visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. Please note, due to federal regulation, pharmacies are only able to vaccinate children three years and older. If you are scheduling a vaccine appointment at a pharmacy for your child three years and older, you may need an authorization code from your pediatrician to validate their age. Make sure the provider is administering the vaccine to children under five years of age.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s healthcare provider about scheduling a vaccine appointment for children under five years of age.
Parents and guardians can also visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. Please note, due to federal regulation, pharmacies are only able to vaccinate children three years and older. If you are scheduling a vaccine appointment at a pharmacy for your child three years and older, you may need an authorization code from your pediatrician to validate their age. Make sure the provider is administering the vaccine to children under five years of age.
What Side Effects May My Child Feel?
Frequently Asked Questions
Your baby, toddler, or child may not notice any changes in how they feel after getting the vaccine. But it’s also possible to feel a little under the weather. This can happen after any vaccine.
Visit our assets page for #VaxtoSchool materials for school-aged New Yorkers 12 - 17, as well as resources for children ages 5-11.
SUNY & CUNY Vaccination Requirements
SUNY & CUNY students attending in-person and hybrid classes are required to be vaccinated.