Why has it taken so long for a COVID vaccine for under 5 year olds?

Pediatrician Edith Bracho-Sanchez, MD explains that scientists had to figure out the right dose for younger kids to minimize side effects and ensure safety and efficacy. Now there are safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for all ages.

It took a while to get the vaccine for our smallest little kids because we could not compromise when it comes to steps to guarantee the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine. We had to figure out what the right dose to give them was. And, the sweet spot was a dose that didn’t elicit a lot of side effects. So, we wanted to minimize side effects while at the same time, making sure that we were actually triggering the immune system to make that protection against COVID-19. That is really the safest way to make sure that we are giving them something that is safe and will work to trigger that protection that we want to trigger.

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 (bivalent) boosters are now available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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Doctors, nurses, researchers and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines in this FAQ video series from KFF with the Black Coalition Against COVID and UnidosUS.

A series for parents and caregivers created in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics provides the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

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