COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids

COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids

Vaccinating children against COVID-19 helps protect them and their families from severe illness and reduces spread of the virus. Find out about the authorized vaccines, how they work, possible side effects and the benefits of having your children vaccinated.


Schedule a Vaccine Appointment

UH Rainbow pediatric primary care patients:
Call your pediatrician's office directly.

Not a current patient?
Vaccines can be obtained through a local retail pharmacy like CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid.

Children & Teens Can Get and Spread COVID-19

Fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults. However, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

Like adults, children who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms (“asymptomatic”) can still spread the virus to others.

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19. They might require hospitalization, intensive care or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, they might die.

To keep updated on current COVID-19 trends in children, visit the Ohio Department of Health – COVID 19 Dashboards for Children and Schools.


Want to Know More About COVID-19 and Kids?

Learn about COVID-19 effects on children and young adults, testing and how to talk to kids about going back to school in addition to finding parent resources and more.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

Clinical leaders at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s believe that these vaccines, which were thoroughly vetted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are recommended for the protection of each individual and the community against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines were studied in clinical trials for safety and efficacy according to rigorous standards set by the FDA before being made available for public use. Study protocols and results are available to the public to ensure transparency.

Approved COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 Months and Up

COVID-19 vaccine approved for children less than 5 years old

The FDA and CDC have approved two vaccines for use in children less than 5 years old. Watch expert, Amy Edwards, MD, explain how the Omicron variant has impacted kid differently and why it's important to consider vaccinated children against COVID-19.

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Introducing the UH Vaccine Playbook

Cover page to UH Healthy Restart Vaccine Playbook

The UH Vaccine Playbook is a free, downloadable guide designed to address the most important questions surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, including how they work, safety and effectiveness.

Approved COVID-19 Booster for Kids Under 12

Approved COVID Booster for Kids Under 12 - Risks, Safety, Side Effects and Other Questions Explained

The CDC has approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine booster for children 5-11 years old. Watch Amy Edwards, MD, pediatric infectious disease expert, address the most common questions and concerns for parents of kids under 12 years old.

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Why All Eligible People Should Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

Martin Bocks, MD, Princess Ogbogi, MD and Aparna Bole, MD

Martin Bocks, MD, Princess Ogbogu, MD and Aparna Bole, MD discuss how vaccinating all family members is important in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

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COVID-19 Vaccine and Children Frequently Asked Questions

Importance of the Pfizer COVID Vaccine for Kids 5-11 Years Old

Amy Edwards, MD and Angelique Redus-McCoy explain why getting 5-11 year olds vaccinated with the pediatric Pfizer vaccine is important.

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The Science Behind the Pfizer Vaccine for Kids 5-11 Years Old

Amy Edwards, MD explains how Pfizer determined that the dose of the Pfizer pediatric COVID vaccine was safe for 5-11 year olds.

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What Parents Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

It’s a misconception that COVID-19 only affects adults. As Amy Edwards, MD, Rainbow pediatric infectious disease specialist explains, it’s significantly worse than other respiratory viruses children typically face. In addition, teens are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19.

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Slowing the Spread of COVID-19

We talked with UH Rainbow pediatric infectious disease specialist Amy Edwards, MD, to learn more about why children should get a COVID-19 vaccine and the part that children can play in stopping spread of the disease – and halting development of coronavirus variants.

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Best Source of Info About Vaccines: Your Doctor

Hearing that vaccines are safe and effective directly from someone trained expressly in the medical care of children provides the reassurance that many parents need to move forward with vaccinating their children.

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