CDC Approves COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children

On Saturday, June 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for kids as young as six months. 

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency use authorization for COVID vaccines for this same age group.  

This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children. Parents and caregivers can now get their young children vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, whichever is available. Both company's trials reported side effects similar to other populations.

Schedule Your Child's Vaccine

You can schedule your child's vaccine online or by calling 615-936-5437See information about COVID-19 vaccines for other ages.

The Role of VUMC Research

VUMC research has aided in approval of these COVID-19 vaccines for younger children. Learn more about the Vanderbilt Health studies in this article from the VUMC Reporter.