What are the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of children younger than 12 years?

All children age 6 months and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose of the current 2024–2025 formulation mRNA vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination of children in this age group has been demonstrated to be safe and to prevent hospitalization and severe complications of COVID-19 illness. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA products are authorized for use in children down to 6 months of age. Novavax adjuvanted protein subunit vaccine is authorized for use beginning at age 12 years.

Children age 6 months through 4 years initially require a primary series of two (Moderna) or three (Pfizer-BioNTech) doses of the same brand. The primary series may include doses of previously authorized formulations. CDC recommends use of the same brand for all recommended doses given to children younger than age 5 years. If it is not possible to do so because the brand is unavailable at the vaccination visit, the brand of a previous dose is unknown, or because the child would not or should not be vaccinated with the previous brand for any reason, then administer the age-appropriate formulation of the available brand. A 3-dose primary series is required for children age 6 months through 4 years who have a mixed-brand primary series. A 3-dose primary series is also required for all children and adults who have moderate or severe immunocompromise.