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COVID-19 Vaccine and Children
We know this may be a big decision for your family. We want you to have the most accurate, up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision for your child and your family.
- The CDC approved COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older. Appointments are now open.
- The vaccine dose for children under 5 years is lower than those used for children over 5 years and adults.
- The Pfizer vaccine is given in three doses.
- The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses.
- Vaccine main page
- The CDC approved COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older.
When scheduling, please book appointments under your CHILD'S NAME.
Masks are required to enter vaccine clinic buildings.
- Both Pfizer and Moderna have been shown to be safe and effective in this age group. Pfizer is a 3 dose series and Moderna is a 2 dose series.
- Your child should receive whichever vaccine is available at the time of vaccination. Parents may choose either product, but should ensure their provider has it available before scheduling.
- Pediatric vaccines may be available at your family doctor's office and local pharmacy. To schedule an appointment close to home, please visit vaccines.gov.
DATE | CLINIC LOCATION | ADDRESS | TIME | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weekly | Government Services Center | 601 Westtown Road, West Chester | Tuesday Wednesday Friday | 9:00 am - 3:15 pm 12:00 pm - 5:15 pm 9:00 am - 1:15 pm |
Talk to your family doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Your family doctor knows your family and your child's medical history better than anyone else.
- Ask if they are offering the vaccine at their office.
Consider the best environment for your child's vaccine appointment
- Will your child feel more comfortable in a smaller environment, like a doctor's office?
- Is it easier for your family to schedule an after-school appointment at the Health Department's clinic?
There is so much information about vaccines. How do I know what is true?
With so much information at your fingertips, it can be challenging to know what to believe. Whether it’s online or in print, make sure the information you are reading is up-to-date, and from a credible source.
Talk about the information you read with a trusted health care provider, like your family doctor. We gathered resources to help you make the most informed decision for your family. Explore these up-to-date resources and use Vira the chatbot to help answer additional vaccine questions.
Learn about the vaccine and side effects for children
- Your child may experience side effects from the vaccine. Most side-effects are mild and go away in a day or so.
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe, but there are some short-term side effects your child may experience. In clinical trials, some children had no side effects, and some had side effects similar to those reported by adults and teens:
- Pain, redness, and swelling where the injection was given, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea
- Call your pediatrician and ask about medication that can reduce these symptoms.
- Click here for additional information about vaccine safety and side effects.
Help Your Child Prepare for Their Vaccine Appointment
Needles can be scary (and not just for parents)! Here are some helpful ways to help reduce pain for your child when they get their vaccine.
Prepare your child ahead of time
- Offer an honest explanation about what to expect. Prepare older children the day before.
- Describe how vaccination will feel (for example, like a small pinch).
- Tell your child what they can do to ease the pain (for example, sit still, breathe deeply, relax the arm).
- Plan to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes after your child's vaccination.
Distract your child
- Draw your child's attention away from the needle. This is one of the best ways that you can help your child.
- What helps your child relax? Distract your child with a favorite toy or blanket, a book, music, singing, or telling a joke or a story.
- Tell your child to take a deep breath and to blow it out slowly.
Source | Resource |
---|---|
American Academy of Pediatrics | Toolkit featuring videos, graphics, key messages |
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) | List of trusted, up-to-date vaccine websites |
HealthyChildren.org | Resources created by Pediatricians |
Johns Hopkins | COVID Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know |
Vaccinate Your Family | Science-based information for families |