COVID-19 continues to affect Black, Brown and Indigenous communities, including children, disproportionately.
The only way to fight this virus and save our communities is by providing pregnant people and parenting families with the accurate, up-to-date information they need to make informed decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Children 5 to 11 years old may now be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. A conversation with your healthcare provider may assist you in making your decision but is not required to obtain the vaccine.
Age-appropriate vaccines are safe, effective, free, and keeping children protected. Studies done in kids show that COVID-19 vaccines are very safe. Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines go through intensive testing before people can get it. Millions of U.S. kids are fully vaccinated already, with no serious safety concerns identified.
Children will often get two initial doses of the vaccine, at least 3 weeks apart. Children with weak immune systems (from some illnesses or medicines) may need a third dose 28 days after their second one to create a strong immune response.
You can speak with your child’s pediatrician, school nurse, or another trusted health care provider to help you decide whether to receive a vaccine. Note: a conversation with your healthcare provider may be helpful, but it is not required before vaccination.
Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Unvaccinated children should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence on the Delta & Omicron variants.
Share this information with the parenting families you love, work with, and serve. It might save a life!
Resources on COVID-19 Vaccines & Birthing Families
Information on COVID-19 Vaccines & Pregnancy/Lactation
COVID Collaborative: Get COVID Answers: Questions & Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines | The Ad Council (getvaccineanswers.org)
Vaccine Factsheets: Vaccines: COVID-19
Visit the American Association of Pediatrics for more details and recommendations on how to support families to make a decision.