Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

Yes. Comprehensive clinical trials in more than 4,500 children ages 5 to 11 demonstrate the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in this age group, resulting in a strong antibody response in children who received the vaccines.

Clinical trials began in June for 5 to 11 year-olds in which a lower dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was tested. Pfizer announced in late September that their data demonstrated the vaccine is safe and produces a significant immune response. After this thorough study and the clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Review Group reviewed all data and recommended the vaccine for all children ages 5 to 11.

There's consistent and real-world evidence of the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. The vaccine has been given safely to millions of youth since it was authorized for ages 16 and up last December and for ages 12 and up in May.

Show All Answers

1. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?
2. Where and how will the youth vaccine be administered?
3. Is this a different vaccine and what is the dosage?
4. Will younger kids experience the same symptoms as adolescents and adults?
5. Why is it important to get kids vaccinated?
6. What is the state doing to ensure equitable distribution for the safe delivery of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11?
7. How do I get my child vaccinated?
8. If my child already had COVID-19, do they still need to get the vaccine?
9. Where can I find more information?