COVID Vaccines for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

It took some time, but the FDA has finally voted to recommend authorizing a COVID vaccine for our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that we can start vaccinating your younger kids yet.

COVID Vaccines for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Wait, what?

Unfortunately, there are still a few things that have to happen before your infant, toddler, or preschooler can get vaccinated and protected against COVID, including that:

1. The FDA Commissioner has to sign off on the decision. DONE
2. The ACIP has to meet and authorize these COVID vaccines for this age group. That will hopefully happen when they meet on June 17 and 18. DONE
3. The CDC Director has to approve the decision of the ACIP, which would likely happen on the same day of the meeting. DONE
4. Health care providers and clinics will have to order and get these COVID vaccines in their offices and clinics. Fortunately, some have already pre-ordered these vaccines in anticipation that they would be approved! Happening now!
5. Your child will also need an appointment to get vaccinated with your health care provider, a health clinic, or pharmacy, etc.

So when will you be able to get your kids vaccinated and protected?

Realistically, since the vaccines still have to be delivered everywhere, although some folks say next Tuesday, it will likely not be until the following week for many providers.

Once they do become available, you will likely have a few things to think about…

• Which COVID vaccine should you get your child? While some parents might prefer the two dose Moderna regimen (6 months to 5 year olds), others might go with the three dose Pfizer regimen (6 months to 4 year olds), as it reportedly provides better protection, understanding that it takes longer to get that protection – and your child is not protected until after they get that third dose. Ultimately, you should likely get whichever COVID vaccine you can get your kids vaccinated with as soon as possible.
• Where should you go to get vaccinated? While you might feel most comfortable getting your child vaccinated at your own pediatrician’s office, that might not be possible if they have chosen to not give COVID vaccines, or, because they are overwhelmed with demand while keeping up with RSV, COVID, and summer well checks. Ultimately, if your pediatrician’s office is not available, you should likely go wherever you can to get your kids vaccinated as quickly as possible, looking for a pharmacy, hospital, or health clinic in your area.
• Is a COVID vaccine really necessary for kids? The benefits of these vaccines clearly outweigh their risks, so yes, you should get your kids vaccinated and protected.
• Should your child be vaccinated if they already had COVID? Since your child can get sick with COVID more than once, again, since the benefits of these vaccines clearly outweigh their risks, yes, you should get your kids vaccinated and protected.

Still have questions?

Ask your pediatric provider.

More on COVID Vaccines for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

• Are Kids Dying With COVID-19?
• Adding Dependent Children to Your V-Safe Account
• The Truth About COVID-19 Vaccines
• COVID-19 Vaccination Questions and Answers
• COVID Vaccine Safety in Children
• Coadministration of COVID Vaccines with Other Vaccines
• FDA – Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee June 14-15, 2022 Meeting
• CDC – How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster?
• CDC – Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
• FDA – EUA Moderna COVID Vaccine 6 months to 5 years
• FDA – EUA Pfizer COVID Vaccine 6 months to 4 years
• CDC – Interim Clinical Considerations Update for Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines
• Should I Vaccinate My Kids Against COVID-19? Yes. Here’s Why.
• Why Parents Still Hesitate to Vaccinate Their Children Against COVID-19
• What doctors wish parents knew about kids’ COVID-19 vaccine safety
• Why it’s important to vaccinate children against COVID
• Why Children Shouldn’t Just Be Left to Get COVID
• Are triple-vaccinated people more likely to be infected by the Omicron variant than the unvaccinated?
• If my child had COVID already, do they need the vaccine?