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Why do kids who had COVID need a vaccine?

Pediatricians and other experts answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Pediatrician Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH explains why even kids who had COVID-19 need to get vaccinated to be protected.

If your child had COVID they still need to get the COVID vaccine. There’s a couple of reasons for that. First, COVID has changed over the pandemic and the COVID strains that we are facing now, like the Delta strain is not the same as the strains that happened earlier in the pandemic, which means while their immune system may have made memory to an earlier strain, they still may be susceptible to later strains of the virus, like the Delta variant. And, so, getting a COVID vaccine helps protect them against new strains, like the Delta variant. We also know that having COVID infection, while offering some protection from re-infection with COVID, doesn’t protect people a hundred percent and isn’t long-lasting protection. It won’t last them the full year that they’re in school this year. And, so, we want kids, even if you’ve had COVID to get the COVID vaccine so that you have long-lasting immunity.

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. 

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