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

Getting Children and Teens Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Getting Children and Teens Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Updated Apr. 6, 2022
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Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Everyone 5 Years and Older

  • The federal government is providing COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to everyone living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
  • Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available for children.
  • Contact your state, territorial, local, or tribal health department for more information.
  • Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Learn more about finding a COVID-19 vaccine.

Preparing Children and Teens for Vaccination

The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to the experience of getting routine vaccines. Use tips to support your child before, during, and after routine vaccinations when they get a COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Talk to your child before vaccination about what to expect.
  • Learn how you can help make shots less stressful.
  • Read about ways to manage fear of needles.
  • Tell the vaccine provider about any allergies your child may have.
  • Ask your child to sit or lie down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given, to prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting.
  • Stay for 15–30 minutes after your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, so your child can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.
  • Ask your child’s healthcare provider for advice on using non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child. It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects.
  • Make sure your child receives their COVID-19 Vaccination Record card before leaving the vaccination site.

Learn more about preparing for COVID-19 vaccination.

Requesting Accommodations at COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

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Children with service animals are allowed by law to have them accompany them at COVID-19 vaccination sites.

When making an appointment or arriving for vaccination, parents and caregivers can let staff and/or volunteers know your child might need some accommodations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)

Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) or email
[email protected] to help:

  • Find local vaccination locations
  • Make appointments
  • Connect to local services such as accessible transportation

Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens with Disabilities.

Get Started with v-safe

After getting your child vaccinated, enroll them in the v-safe After Vaccination Health Checker.

V-safe provides quick and confidential health check-ins via text messages and web surveys so you can quickly and easily share with CDC how you or your dependent feel after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.