COVID-19 Vaccines for Children & Teens

Children 6 months and older can now get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination offers the best protection against new variants, long COVID, hospitalization, and death. Don’t let COVID-19 slow your family down on family fun.

Updates

• The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are not available at the Shasta County Public Health Immunization Clinic.

What Are The COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations For Children And Teens?

• Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

• It is recommended for people who have and haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine before and people who have had COVID-19.

• Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and if you are up to date on CDC's: Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines.

• The CDC offers these clinical timing guides on COVID-19 Vaccine Timing 2024-25 (English Version) & Calendario de la Vacuna COVID-19 2024-25 (Spanish Version) to help with the spacing of vaccine and extra doses, for both routine and immune-compromised recipients, ages 6 months through adult.

• Learn more from the FAQs and supporting documents/links below or visit our other FAQ page.

• You can also learn more by watching the Emergency Use Authorization process video.

Which Vaccine Can Kids Receive?

• Three vaccines are available for use in the United States. There is no preference for one vaccine over the other when more than one vaccine is recommended for an age group.

• 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

• 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

• 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 12 years and older.

Why Should Kids Be Vaccinated?

• Getting vaccinated provides the best protection against serious illness if a child gets infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Most children do not generally become as sick as adults do, but some have become severely ill with COVID-19. Children can also experience “long COVID,” even when they have mild or no symptoms.

If My Child Had COVID-19 Already, Do They Need The Vaccine?

• Please refer to CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions  and  CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance.

• Staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines will help prevent serious illness or short and long-term hospitalization if they do get infected again.

• Children can also spread the disease to people in their families and others who may be at higher risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. 

Where Can I Find More Resources About COVID-19 Vaccines For Children?

• Check out CDC's  Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines.

• Check out CDC's  COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.

Is There A COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Guidance?

• Persons younger than 18 years must have parental or guardian consent given by a legally authorized representative (parent or guardian). An emancipated minor may consent for him/herself.

• There are now many allowable options for consent. 

• Learn more about the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Guidance from CDPH's  COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Guidance.

Where Can My Child Get The Vaccine?

• Find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment by using MyTurn.

• Locate nearby pharmacies by visiting  Vaccines.gov or Vaya a VaccineFinder (Español).

• Text your zip code to 438829 or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at: 1-800-232-0233. 

• For people with disabilities, please call the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) if you need COVID-19 vaccination support at: 1-888-677-1199.