FAQs on the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5+ (Made To Save)
Children ages 5 and up can now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Where can I get the vaccine for my child?
Children aged 5+ are able to get the vaccine wherever Pfizer is available, including pharmacies, state or federal vaccination sites, and some pediatrician or family practice offices. To get information about where vaccines are available near you, visit vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. 1
What are the benefits of having my children vaccinated?
Young people can infect others with the virus even if they don’t have symptoms, so it is crucial that they be vaccinated as soon as possible. 2 Also, having your child vaccinated will prevent them from developing a serious illness from COVID-19. As more people get vaccinated, we will see fewer restrictions and more quickly get back to the people, events, and things we miss most.
Does my child need my consent to get the vaccination?
Most states require parental consent to get the COVID-19 vaccine for younger children but at least nine (9) states do not require consent or allow for providers to waive parental consent. Please consult with your state’s Health Department or VaxTeen’s Consent Laws by State resource to learn what your state requires. In addition, the age at which a minor can consent varies by state as well.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my child’s fertility?
The information on this website has been aggregated from the CDC and other trusted medical resources and is not medical advice. If you have additional questions we encourage you to speak to a medical provider. This information was last updated May 21, 2021. The medical community has absolutely no data showing that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility issues in children or adults. 3 According to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology [ACOG], “unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility have been scientifically disproven. ACOG recommends vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy.” 4
My children are afraid to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. What should I say to address their fears?
Fear among children is understandable. Many of us can relate. Whether it is a fear of shots or fear of the doctor, a child’s fear is real and valid. To help address your children’s fears you can explain how being vaccinated will allow them to help keep their loved ones and communities safe and help end the pandemic. Also, the sooner they are vaccinated, the sooner they will be able to hang out with their friends, go to the movies, or attend school sporting events without worrying about getting sick with COVID-19 and then spreading the virus to others. Ask your child to share why they are afraid, so you can best address what’s on their mind. If you were nervous before your shot, you can share that too. It may also help them to know that more than 150 million people including millions of kids and teenagers have been safely vaccinated across the US. Their pediatrician can also be helpful in addressing their fears. 5
My child is opposed to getting the vaccine. What points can I share to help convince them otherwise?
It might be helpful to explain the serious health risks they could develop if not vaccinated.Children and adolescents, ages 5-17, are at risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. In this age group there have been more than 12 million reported cases 6 and more than 13,000 hospitalizations. Vaccinating eligible children is essential for us to end the pandemic. They also contribute to transmission in households and communities, including older and vulnerable populations. 7
My child already had COVID-19. Is being vaccinated necessary?
Yes. Health experts do not yet know how long antibody protection lasts in people who had COVID-19. In order to end the pandemic and resume normal life, everyone should get vaccinated. This includes children over the age of 5 , even those who were infected with the COVID-19 virus. 8
Every adult in my household has already been vaccinated, so why does my child need to be vaccinated?
Children can develop severe illness from COVID-19. They also pass on the virus to their households and communities, including older and vulnerable populations. Even if the adults in your family are all vaccinated, it is important to make a plan for the children to get vaccinated as well. 9
COVID-19 vaccination remains our best chance to end the pandemic. Parents should have their children vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and learn more about the vaccines if they have questions at MadeToSave.org/learn.
The information on this website has been aggregated from the CDC and other trusted medical resources and is not medical advice. If you have additional questions we encourage you to speak to a medical provider. This information was last updated May 11, 2022.
1. Source: CDC
2.Source: CDC
3.Source: CDC
4.Source: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
5.Source: CDC
6.Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
7.Source: CDC
8.Source: CDC
9.Source: CDC
