COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens
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
J&J/Janssen
J&J/Janssen
J&J/Janssen
4 years and under
Authorized for
4 years and under
Pfizer-BioNTech
J&J/Janssen
5-11 years old
Authorized for
5-11 years old
Pfizer-BioNTech
J&J/Janssen
12-17 years old
Authorized for
12-17 years old
Pfizer-BioNTech
J&J/Janssen
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.