Skip to content

Is the COVID vaccine safe for kids?

Pediatrician Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH explains why parents can have confidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for their eligible children.

So, yes, it is safe, but a lot of parents ask me, “How do we know it safe?” So, there’s a couple of ways. The first way we know it’s safe is the rigorous clinical trial process that kids went through for us to know it’s safe in kids 5-11. Which told us that, while there’s common mild side effects, there were no actually rare side effects, which was really reassuring during that clinical trial process. And then, on top of that, we also have nearly 200 million Americans who have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. So now we know that even serious side effects are exceedingly rare, which is incredibly reassuring as we all prepare to give the vaccines to our kids.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated boosters are available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

FIND FREE COVID VACCINES & BOOSTERS