COVID-19 vaccines are available for children ages 6 months and older.
The vaccines will help your child develop immunity and provide them with protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Children may experience similar side effects of vaccination as adults, with usually mild effects lasting one to two days.
The more contagious variants of COVID-19 that have been spreading have caused some children to get sick, be hospitalized and die. The best way to protect your child is to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.
Vaccination Schedule
Children younger than 5 years should get the same vaccine for their second (and third) doses of their primary series as they received for their first dose. They will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after either their third Pfizer dose or second Moderna dose.
Pfizer
- Ages: 6 months to 4 years
- Doses: Three
- Schedule: Second dose taken at least 21 days (3 weeks) days after the first, and the third dose taken at least 56 days (8 weeks) days after the second.
Moderna
- Ages: 6 months to 5 years
- Doses: Two
- Schedule: Second dose delivered at least 28 days (4 weeks) after the first.
Consent Required
A parent or guardian must provide consent for their child to be vaccinated in person, by phone or in writing, depending on the vaccination site. They will not need to provide proof they are the child’s parent or guardian.
Children ages 15 and younger should be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent or guardian, or another adult caregiver designated by the parent or guardian.
Ask your child’s pediatrician if they will be offering the vaccine. Some pharmacies may offer vaccine to children 3 years and older.
Call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment at certain sites, as well as to get other vaccination assistance.
Watch this video for a testimonial from Kojo about getting the Covid vaccine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H_gzUmDmyo
Source: NYC DOHMH
