COVID-19 VACCINES AND KIDS | Tufts Health Plan

A Message from Dr. Elvin,
chief medical officer at Tufts Health Plan

"As a pediatrician and a parent, many parents ask me if the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for their children. I understand their worries. They want to protect their children from COVID-19. At the same time, they don’t want to take a chance on the vaccine if it is unsafe.

I had these same concerns. To make decisions for my family, I relied on data from studies and experts I respected. I came to the same conclusion as most health experts across the country and here in Massachusetts.

The good news is that parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

COVID-19 poses a much greater risk to our children than the vaccine does. Also, it is important that all people in the family and community are protected to help prevent spread within and between family members.

Tufts Health Plan developed this resource page to bring you information you can trust about COVID-19 vaccines for kids. <You can also watch this video from a local pediatrician.>

Being a parent, I know you need to feel that you are making the best decisions for your children. I hope that sharing my views and the important information on this page helps you feel confident about the choices you make for your children and family."

David Elvin, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Tufts Health Plan

Do Kids Need to Get a Vaccination?

Yes, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here’s why:

Kids can get infected and very sick from COVID-19.
They can have short-term and long-lasting health problems from the virus.
Kids who get COVID-19 can spread it to family members, friends and strangers.

Once kids are fully vaccinated, they’ll be able to do many of the activities they did before the pandemic.

Click to learn more about vaccines for kids ages 6 months-4, 5-11 or 12-17.

Ready to get your child vaccinated?

Start here

Vaccines Approved for More Kids

Kids 6 months of age and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine—and there is no cost to families. Kids in this age group need a parent or guardian with them when they get the shot. It’s a good idea to make an appointment for your child.

Here are some tips to help you find a vaccine site:

Call your child’s pediatrician to see if they give COVID-19 shots
Search for vaccine sites near you
Check with your local pharmacy, like CVS or Walgreens

COVID-19 and Children

At what age can children get a COVID-19 vaccine?

U.S. health officials have approved use of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in children 6 months and older.

Is the vaccine safe for children 6 months through 4 years of age?

Yes, data show the vaccine is safe and effective. Thousands of kids in this age group kids took part in vaccine trials. None of them had serious side effects. Some children had soreness in the upper arms, aches, fever or fatigue. These symptoms are normal and show that their bodies are building protection against COVID-19. Millions of kids in the United States have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say the risk associated with COVID-19 are much greater than any risks associated with the vaccine.

Do kids need more than one dose?

Yes. The number of shots your children need depends on which shot they get. Children need three doses of the Pfizer vaccine and two doses of the Moderna vaccine. Kids ages 5 and older at average risk of COVID-19 complications should also get a booster shot at least five months after their second shot.

Is the vaccine for younger kids the same as the one for older children and adults?

No. The shot for children 6 months through 4 years has a smaller dose of the vaccine than the shots given to older children and adults. To be fully vaccinated, kids in this age group may need two or three shots, depending on which vaccine they get.

Is there concern about the vaccine causing heart problems?

Very few cases of myocarditis or pericarditis (heart problems) have been reported among the millions of people of all ages who got the vaccine. Most health experts agree that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks.

If my child turns 5 or 12 soon, should I wait for the larger dose?

No. It’s better to vaccinate your child as soon as possible. The sooner your child is protected the better it is for your child and their close contacts.

Does my child need to wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they need other immunizations too?

No. Your child can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit.

Will my child need a consent form? Do I need to be with them for the shot?

A parent or legal guardian needs to give consent for children 6 months to 17 years of age. You can download a consent form in different languages here.

Will a parent and/or child need to show identification?

Identification is not needed for you or your child to get a COVID-19 shot. There will be no cost to you for the shot.

Do my children need health insurance to get the vaccine?

Your children do not need health insurance. And there is no cost to you when your children get vaccinated. If your children have health insurance, bring their health plan ID cards with you when they get their shots.

Do my children need health insurance to get the vaccine?

How will children get their second dose of the vaccine?

Parents or guardians should schedule their children’s second dose at the time their children get the first dose.

A Message from Dr. Elvin, chief medical officer at Tufts Health Plan

COVID-19 and Children

At what age can children get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Is the vaccine safe for children 6 months through 4 years of age?

Do kids need more than one dose?

Is the vaccine for younger kids the same as the one for older children and adults?

Is there concern about the vaccine causing heart problems?

If my child turns 5 or 12 soon, should I wait for the larger dose?

Does my child need to wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they need other immunizations too?

Will my child need a consent form? Do I need to be with them for the shot?

Will a parent and/or child need to show identification?

Do my children need health insurance to get the vaccine?

Do my children need health insurance to get the vaccine?

How will children get their second dose of the vaccine?

A Message from Dr. Elvin,
chief medical officer at Tufts Health Plan