COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children older than 6 months. They are especially helpful in preventing hospitalization and serious illness from COVID-19. Although there are some risks associated with vaccination, the risks of serious complications are far higher for unvaccinated people who get COVID-19 than for any risks associated with vaccination. Children can also act as carriers of the disease. Even if it doesn’t make them sick, they can pass it to someone who is more vulnerable, such as Elders or people with compromised immune systems. The vaccines are very safe for children and the side effects are usually mild. The most common reactions reported following COVID-19 vaccination in children are:

• pain, redness, and swelling where the shot was given 
• headache
• fever
• muscle aches
•  chills
• fatigue.
  

A severe allergic reaction, like anaphylaxis, is rare. If your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine and you think they might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.