COVID-19 Vaccination - Ages 12-17

COVID-19 Vaccination - Ages 12-17 in United States

United States

Just like adults, children and teens who contract COVID-19 can experience symptoms including but not limited to fever, fatigue and shortness of breath. Some people who experience severe illness from COVID-19 may face life-threatening outcomes and long-term effects such as fatigue, headaches, difficulty thinking or concentrating (brain fog), difficulty breathing and joint or muscle pains. Children and teens who get COVID-19 may also be at risk of developing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

All COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States help prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19 infections. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the likelihood of MIS-C in children. Vaccination helps protect the community and at-risk populations, which is critical to reducing the number of new deaths due to COVID-19. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with a booster dose recommended for children ages 5 and older. The vaccine and booster combination decreases the risk of hospitalization and death for those who contract COVID-19. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are still encouraged to get the vaccine and the booster to build continued protection.

As of August 27, 2022 vaccinations (≥ 1 dose) among children ages 6 months to 17 years were higher among:

• Multiracial children compared with non-Hispanic Black children. 
• Children living in households with an annual income of $75,000 or more compared with children living in lower-income households.
• Children living in urban areas compared with those living in rural areas.
• Children with private insurance compared with uninsured children and children receiving health insurance through Medicaid.

Vaccine clinics and online vaccine connectors have helped distribute more than 834 million vaccine doses in the U.S. as of September 14, 2022. Since June 18, 2022 more than 1.14 million children under 5 have received at least one vaccine dose. 

People and organizations across many different areas are working together to increase the number of COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 Public Education Campaign is a national program that works to increase public awareness and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. The effort provides tailored information for different audiences, including details on COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 6 months and up. The COVID-19 Community Corps outreach program launched in April 2021 and now has over 17,000 members across the country helping to promote the vaccine in their communities.