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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens
Updated Apr. 6, 2022
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What You Need to Know

  • CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Everyone ages 12 years and older should also get a COVID-19 booster shot.

Authorized for

Authorized for

Authorized for

Pfizer-BioNTech

Pfizer-BioNTech

Pfizer-BioNTech

Moderna

Moderna

Moderna

J&J/Janssen

J&J/Janssen

J&J/Janssen

4 years and under

Authorized for

4 years and under

No

Pfizer-BioNTech

No

No

Moderna

No

No

J&J/Janssen

No

5-11 years old

Authorized for

5-11 years old

Yes

Pfizer-BioNTech

Yes

No

Moderna

No

No

J&J/Janssen

No

12-17 years old

Authorized for

12-17 years old

Yes

Pfizer-BioNTech

Yes

No

Moderna

No

No

J&J/Janssen

No

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine authorized or approved for children ages 5 through 17 years. Children and teens need two doses of a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Everyone ages 12 years and older should also get a booster shot.

Learn more about staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including when to get each shot.

For information on an additional primary dose for children ages 5 years and older who have a weakened immune system, visit COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised People.

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

  • 12- through 17-year-olds receive the same dose of thePfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as adults.
  • 5- through 11-year-olds receive a smaller dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine that is appropriate for this younger age group.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to people ages 12 years and older. However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for teens and adults cannot be used for children ages 5 through 11 years.

Children and Teens Who Have Already Had COVID-19 Should Still Get Vaccinated

Emerging evidence indicates that people can get added protection by getting vaccinated after having been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. So even if a child has had COVID-19, they should still get vaccinated. Read the science about immunity from COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Other Vaccines Can Be Given at the Same Visit

Children and teens may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same time. If multiple vaccines are administered at a single visit, each injection will be given in a different injection site, according to recommendations by age.