Evidence shows vaccination offers excellent protection against COVID-19 in children. Even though COVID-19 is often milder in children than in adults, there’s strong evidence to support vaccinating children.
Vaccines give the immune system a helping hand to protect against serious illness and possible long-term effects from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines available for children
Children will receive 2 doses of the same vaccine, given 8 weeks apart. Children who are severely immunocompromised will receive 3 doses.
6 months to under 5 years:
Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine is approved for use in children aged 6 months to under 5 years with severe immunocompromise, disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19. The dose is around ½ of the dose for children aged 6 to 11 years old.
5 to 11 years:
Pfizer (Comirnaty) children’s vaccine is approved for children aged 5 to 11 years. The dose is around 1/3 of the dose for people aged 12 years and older.
or
Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine is approved for use in children aged 6 to 11. The dose is around ½ of the dose for people aged 12 years and older.