COVID-19 Vaccines for Children & Teens

Children 6 months and older can now get the updated COVID-19 vaccines. 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.

• *Update: Shasta County Public Health Vaccination Clinic now has COVID vaccines available for VFC clients only.*

What are the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and teens?

• Anyone aged 6 months and older can get vaccinated but recommendations differ for those who are unvaccinated or immuncompromised.

• Most people 5 years or older should get one dose of the updated vaccine.

• Children aged 6 months–4 years   may need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.

• If you are aged 6 months-64 years and moderately or severely immunocompromised, you may receive 1 additional dose of an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after your last recommended updated dose.

• 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.

Where Can I find more information on the 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 at: CDPH: COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Guidance

What vaccine can kids receive?

• None of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.

• The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are authorized for ages 6 months and older. 

• Novavax vaccine is authorized for ages 12 and older. 

• More information about timing and dosage: COVID-19 Vaccine Timing and Calendario de la Vacuna COVID-19. 

Where can my kid(s) get the vaccine?

Vaccines are available in many places you probably already visit often, including pharmacies and grocery stores.

• You can also call the Shasta County Public Health Immunization Clinic at (530) 225- 5591 for vaccine availability or to make an appointment. 

• Visit MyTurn.ca.gov or https://www.vaccines.gov/  to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic in your area.

• 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

Why should kids be vaccinated?

• Vaccinations protect children from the most severe outcomes of 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.

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

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 hospitalization if they do get infected again.

Where can I find more resources about COVID-19 Vaccines for children?

• Learn more at: CDC: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

• Learn more at: CDC: 6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children