Yes. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. More than 600 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S. Children 6 months old and older are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Like adults, children may have some side effects after COVID-19 vaccination, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. These side effects may affect their ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine.
It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Robust clinical trials featuring thousands of children were conducted to evaluate the safety and immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine in this population. Because young children are still growing and developing, researchers assessed the need for different doses of vaccines already used for adolescents and adults. As a result, young children will receive an age-appropriate dose and formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine. Smaller needles, specifically designed for children, will also be used to give the vaccine to children.
Cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in adolescents and young adults. While these conditions are rare, the available evidence suggests a link with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, cases have occurred mostly in males 12-29 years old within the first week after getting the second dose of the vaccine. In general, people who developed these conditions following COVID-19 vaccination respond well to medical treatment and rest and recover. Because the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible small risk of myocarditis or pericarditis, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people 6 months of age and older.
Parents/caregivers can enroll their child in v-safe, a free, easy-to-use smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins. Through v-safe, you can report how your child is feeling after vaccination. Parents must first be enrolled in v-safe before they enroll their children.
Additionally, patients, caregivers, and vaccine providers are also asked to report adverse events after vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), even if it is not clear that the vaccine caused the adverse event. National public health reviews all the information and reports any serious adverse reactions.
For more information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, see the frequently asked questions in the Safety section of this page.
Discuss your options and any concerns with your healthcare provider if you have any reservations.