COVID-19 Vaccine Approved For Children Under 5 In The US: Here’s What You Need To Know

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This post will continue to be updated with the latest information and vaccine recommendations.

Over the weekend, it was announced that in the US, both the FDA and the CDC have approved the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Today we’re answering all your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and what the new approval means for you and your little one.

Ultimately when it comes to vaccine recommendations for you or your child, you should talk with your healthcare provider, or your children’s, and weigh the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated.

Which COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for children aged 6 months to 5 years?

In the US, both the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in children aged 6 months to 5 years. They are both also approved for ages 5 years and up.

The last group to be approved for the COVID-19 vaccine were ages 5-11 in November 2021 — since then around 30% of children in the US in that age group have received a COVID-19 vaccination. Read more about that here.

Are the COVID-19 Vaccines safe and effective for children under 5? 

There are ongoing, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials in the US and internationally which enrolled infants and children. In the FDA analysis of these trials, the immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 6 months to 5 years was comparable to the immune response of adults. The FDA also consulted their independent advisory committee for Vaccines and Related Biological Products prior to the authorization and voted in favor of authorizing COVID vaccines for infants 6 months and older.

Plus, the US has been able to utilize vaccine data in children from other countries like China (who have already vaccinated under 5s) to help guide their recommendations.

When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available for under 5s in the US?

The White House has begun vaccine rollout for under 5s across the US, with 10 million doses initially shipping to vaccine centers across the country. The vaccines will be shipped with “all of the supplies that health care providers need to serve younger kids, including small needles.” You can contact your pediatrician to discuss the vaccine and arrange an appointment if you wish for your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine dose different for infants?

Yes, children receive a different vaccine dose than adults. Vaccine dosages are determined by a person’s age, rather than height or weight. Since doses are given a few weeks apart, the CDC recommends vaccine dosages be given based on the age you are at vaccination. 

Since children generally have a responsive, robust immune system, it essentially allows their bodies to process less of the vaccine as compared to what an older child or adult would receive. Interestingly, these smaller doses still result in a similar amount of antibodies produced as compared to other ages! 

How to support a child getting vaccinated

Here are a few tips on how to prepare and support your child while getting vaccinated:

  • Bring along a comfort item. This could be a favorite toy, game, book, or anything else that you think your child would appreciate and help create a comfortable, calm environment.

  • Set the tone with your energy. Talking in a slow, soothing voice, while being kind and praising will help reassure the child and ease any tension.

  • Smile and make eye contact. Reassure your child that they are safe and loved — a little nonverbally communication can really go a long way here!

Is there an update on COVID-19 vaccines for infants in the UK?

At the moment, there have been no announcements made about children under 5 receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK. The youngest anyone in Britain can receive the COVID-19 vaccine is 5 years old.

Additional resources about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines:

On the COVID-19 Vaccine:

On fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Have you got a question about COVID-19 vaccines or the latest COVID updates? Let us know in the comments and we’ll get back to you.

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