FAQ

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Getting the COVID-19 vaccine (children 6 mos - 4 yrs)

Should my young child get vaccinated if they have already had COVID-19?

If your child already had COVID-19 and recovered, they should still get vaccinated. Previous infection provides some protection but studies in adults show that vaccination following infection provides stronger and longer-lasting protection. If your child was recently sick, they can get the vaccine once they are better, or they can delay getting the vaccine until 8 weeks after their symptoms started or they tested positive for COVID-19.

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What COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months to 4 years of age?

Health Canada has approved the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (25 mcg) for children 6 months to 5 years of age and the Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (3 mcg) for children 6 months to 4 years of age.

In BC, children 6 months to 4 years of age are routinely offered the Moderna vaccine. This is because the Moderna vaccine requires one less dose to complete the primary (initial) series than the Pfizer vaccine, which means children will be protected sooner. The Moderna vaccine is given as a 2-dose series, and the Pfizer vaccine is given as a 3-dose series.

The Pfizer vaccine will not be routinely available at vaccine clinics. If a parent or guardian would like their child to receive the Pfizer vaccine, they can contact the provincial call centre at 1-833-838-2323 to request it.

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Why should my young child get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccination helps keep children safe and is the best way to protect children from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. There has been an increase in hospital and ICU admissions in young children since Omicron became the most common variant.

While most children who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, some children (including previously healthy children) can get very sick. The chance of getting very sick is higher for children who are not fully vaccinated or have certain medical conditions.

Children who get COVID-19:

Can get a severe lung infection and heart issues like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
Are at risk of developing a serious but rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation. It can happen several weeks after infection and usually requires hospitalization. Most children in Canada who have had this condition have fully recovered with treatment.
While the evidence is limited in children younger than 5, COVID-19 infection may lead to post-COVID condition or "long COVID." This is where people feel sick for weeks or months after the initial illness.

Vaccinating children can also help protect others, including family members and those most at risk. Vaccination can also make it less likely that children will miss out on important activities, like daycare, preschool, sports, and social events.

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How can my young child have a positive vaccination experience?

Vaccines can cause some pain, stress, and anxiety for children of all ages. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can be used before and during the vaccination appointment that can help make the vaccination experience better for children.

Find useful tips on how to help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress with childhood vaccinations.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Dose & Schedule (children 6 mos - 4 yrs)

How many doses of COVID-19 vaccine does my child need?

Children 6 months to 4 years of age will get 2 doses of the Moderna vaccine to complete their primary (initial) series. The second dose is offered about 8 weeks after the first.

Children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised need 3 doses to complete their primary series. These children can get their second dose 4 to 8 weeks after the first. To book your child's third dose, you will be contacted by the provincial Get Vaccinated system about 4 weeks after they receive their second dose.

Scientists are still determining if children 6 months to 4 years of age will need a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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What is the COVID-19 vaccine dosage for young children?

Young children get a smaller dose of the same vaccine used for youth and adults. Children aged 6 months to 4 years of age receive a 25 microgram dose of the Moderna vaccine, which is a quarter of the dose adults get.

Young children need a smaller dose of the vaccine to get the same protection from COVID-19.

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Can my young child get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time or any time before or after any other childhood vaccinations, including the influenza (flu) vaccine given by injection or nasal spray.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Safety (children 6 mos - 4 yrs)

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for young children?

Yes, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe for young children. Every vaccine goes through intensive testing and must be shown to be safe and effective before it is approved for use and given to children. After a vaccine is approved for use, its safety is continuously monitored.

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were shown to be safe for young children in clinical trials, and ongoing safety monitoring continues to show that these vaccines are safe for young children.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are most often mild and last 1-3 days. Serious side effects are very rare.

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