The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=cdc">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;(CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months or older get their COVID-19 vaccine. Why might you want to vaccinate your little ones? Consider the following:
1. The vaccines are safe&mdash;and they work. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=fda">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;(FDA) looked at studies that show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for young children.
2. Vaccines help prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. The vaccines can help kids avoid getting COVID-19. And it can help them avoid getting very sick if they do get COVID-19. Young and healthy children may not be at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness. But they can still get very sick and have to go to a hospital for treatment.&nbsp;
3. Kids can get long COVID-19 too. While less common than in adults, some kids who get COVID-19 continue to struggle with symptoms even months after first being infected. Some of the more common symptoms of long COVID-19 are extreme tiredness, trouble concentrating, and joint and muscle pain.
4. COVID-19 disrupts family life. Kids who get sick may miss school, day care and other activities. Parents may miss work to stay home and care for a child.
5. Getting vaccinated helps protect others. Getting the vaccine can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to other members of your family, friends and community.
Vaccine options for young kids
Young children can get one of two approved COVID-19 vaccines. You should choose whichever vaccine is available, CDC suggests. The options for young children are:
<ul>
 <li>Moderna. Children ages 6 months through 5 years need two doses of the vaccine, one month apart. If your child is 5 years old or older, they will only need one dose.</li>
 <li>Pfizer. Children ages 6 months through 4 years need three doses of the vaccine. The first two doses are given three weeks apart, followed by a third dose given at least eight weeks after the second dose. If your child is 5 years old or older, they will only need one dose.</li>
</ul>
Make sure the older kids&mdash;and adults&mdash;in your family stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines too. It might be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html">time for a booster shot</a>.
If you have questions about vaccinating your kids, talk to your child's doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines
Find out more in our <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Topic.aspx?TopicID=caff555f-ee91-4c05-9e8f-c1ae801ef107">Coronavirus</a> health topic center.
Reviewed 9/26/2023

COVID-19: 5 reasons to vaccinate younger kids

Virtually everyone ages 6 months and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what parents need to know.