With vaccines now available to protect against COVID-19, we've made a big step toward ending the pandemic. There are three vaccines currently approved for adults and teens 16 years and older. One of the vaccine makers has asked for FDA approval to include children as young as age 12, and clinical trails are expected to begin soon in children as young as six months old.
Research shows these new vaccines are remarkably effective and safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges teens and adults to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them.
Clinical trials for children
Before COVID-19 vaccines become available for younger teens and children, clinical trials need to be completed. This is to ensure they are safe and effective for these age groups. Children are not little adults; we can't just assume a vaccine will have the same effect on a child as it does for someone older. Once this information is available, the AAP will review it and make vaccine recommendations for children and adolescents.
Will there be a vaccine before the 2021-22 school year?
The timing for when the vaccine will be available for kids depends on the results of the clinical trials. But based on the current pace of research, it may be possible to have a vaccine for at least some children and adolescents before the 2021-22
school year begins.
Will a COVID-19 vaccine be required for school entry?
Once a vaccine is approved, health authorities, including the CDC and the AAP, will recommend when and how children should get it. However, each state's government decides which vaccines are required for school entry.
In the meantime, make sure your children are
caught up on their vaccinations against measles, influenza, whooping cough, and any others that your pediatrician recommends.
One thing is certain: The COVID-19 vaccine is our best hope for ending the pandemic. We look forward to the day when children can spend time with friends, travel with their families, and enjoy their communities safely.
More information