The FDA has authorized both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children 6 months to 5 years old. Based on clinical trial data, the FDA determined that the vaccines are effective with no safety concerns. Vaccine doses are smaller for young children than for adults and teens. Children under 5 receive three 3-mg doses of the Pfizer vaccine or two 25mg doses of the Moderna vaccine.

Children as young as 6 months can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized for children aged 6 months to 5 years, and the Moderna vaccine for children aged 6 months to 6 years.

The vaccines went through several processes to ensure it is safe and effective. They were thoroughly checked by independent vaccine advisory groups, the FDA, and the CDC. Pfizer vaccine has been tested among 1,678 children under 5 years old. Moderna vaccine has been tested among 6,700 children under 6 years.

There were no safety concerns. Common side effects were mild to moderate for both vaccines.

Children who receive the Pfizer vaccine get two doses of the vaccine three weeks apart and the third dose at least 2 months after the second. Those who get the Moderna vaccine receive two doses 28 days apart.

Initial vaccine test results show that the Pfizer vaccine was 80.3% effective in preventing symptomatic infection among children under 5. The Moderna vaccine was 51% effective in preventing symptomatic infection among children aged 6 months to 2 years and 37% among children 2 to 5 years.

Vaccinating children can prevent them from developing severe COVID-19 outcomes like hospitalization and death. This can give parents and caregivers peace of mind as their children participate in activities with other children and people at risk, like older adults.

Pediatricians and selected pharmacies offer the vaccine for children. Most pharmacy chains only give COVID-19 vaccines to children 3 years and older, while some start at age 5.

It is unclear how long the protection will last in children before they need a booster shot.

It is unclear whether the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will be more effective against new variants.

It is unclear how much the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine protect against current variants, even though both appear effective.