COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Infants: Updates
The short answer
COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for children as young as 6 months. Recommendations are updated regularly as new variants emerge and new vaccine formulations are developed. The CDC and AAP recommend that all eligible children receive the most current COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe illness and hospitalization. The vaccine schedule for young children may differ from adults. Always consult your pediatrician for the most current guidance.
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Babies under 6 months are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Protection for this age group comes from maternal vaccination during pregnancy (which passes antibodies to the baby) and from surrounding the infant with vaccinated caregivers. Breastfeeding may also provide some COVID antibodies. If your baby under 6 months is exposed to COVID-19, watch for symptoms including fever, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, and excessive sleepiness, and contact your pediatrician.
6-24 months
COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for children starting at 6 months of age. The dosing schedule may involve 2-3 doses depending on the vaccine product and the child's vaccination history. Updated formulations targeting the most current circulating variants are released periodically. Common side effects include irritability, sleepiness, injection site tenderness, and low-grade fever. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Your pediatrician can recommend the current vaccine and schedule.
2-5 years
Children in this age group continue to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination with age-appropriate doses. Booster or updated doses may be recommended based on the evolving variant landscape. Children with underlying conditions (heart disease, lung disease, immunocompromise, obesity) are at higher risk for severe COVID and should be prioritized for vaccination. Even healthy children benefit from vaccination to reduce risk of hospitalization and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child receives the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and has mild side effects like fussiness, low fever, or injection site soreness that resolves within 1-2 days.
- Your child had COVID-19 and recovered fully -- vaccination is still recommended after recovery.
- You are staying up to date with your pediatrician on the latest vaccine recommendations for your child.
- You are unsure whether your child is up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Your child has a medical condition and you want to discuss the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
- Your child had COVID-19 and you want guidance on optimal timing for vaccination.
- Your child develops a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, widespread hives) after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine -- seek emergency care.
- Your infant under 3 months develops fever or respiratory symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Your child develops symptoms of MIS-C: persistent fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, red eyes, or swollen hands and feet several weeks after a COVID-19 infection.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Medical Concerns
Childhood Immunization Schedule: 2026 Updates
The childhood immunization schedule is reviewed and updated annually by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the AAP, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The schedule may include changes to timing, new vaccine recommendations, or updates to catch-up schedules. Always consult your pediatrician for the most current recommendations, as the schedule is designed to provide the earliest possible protection during the most vulnerable periods.
My Baby Has a Fever That Won't Go Away
Most fevers in babies and toddlers are caused by viral infections and resolve within 3-5 days. A fever that lasts longer than 3 days, returns after seeming to resolve, or is accompanied by worsening symptoms warrants medical evaluation. The most important thing is how your baby looks and acts - a child who is alert and drinking well with a fever is generally less concerning than one who is listless, regardless of the temperature.
Clesrovimab: New RSV Prevention for Infants
Clesrovimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody being developed for the prevention of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) lower respiratory tract disease in infants. Similar to nirsevimab (Beyfortus), it provides passive immunity against RSV by giving babies ready-made antibodies. This approach is especially important because RSV remains a leading cause of infant hospitalization, and infants under 6 months are too young for active vaccination. Consult your pediatrician about the latest RSV prevention options for your baby.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.