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COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens

COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens

March 17, 2023: Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus.

CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for everyone aged 6 months and older if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments.

Flyer (PDF): Updated COVID-19 boosters

Information for parents, caregivers, youth, schools, and organizations about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Video: Is the vaccine safe for kids?

View other videos with pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Danielson on our vaccine resources page.


Information and resources about:

When you schedule your appointment, make sure that they offer Moderna or Pfizer vaccine that has been authorized for the age of your child.

Boosters: CDC recommends 1 updated (bivalent) booster dose:

  • For everyone age 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose.
  • For children ages 6 months to 4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

There is no booster recommendation for children ages 6 months to 4 years who got the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Find more details on staying up to date.

  • Document to confirm age: state, tribe, or federal-issued identification, birth certificate, school ID or school or medical paperwork with name and date of birth can be used.
  • Wear short sleeves or loose-fitting sleeves that are easy to roll up so that you can get vaccinated in your upper arm.
  • Authorized adult consent: If you are younger than 18 years old, you may need consent from an authorized adult to get the vaccine. You can consent for yourself if you are emancipated, married to an adult, or the vaccine site determines you are a mature minor. Not all vaccine sites are able to make mature minor determinations.
  • Authorized adults who may consent for minors include:

    • Adult who has court permission to make health care decisions for you (legal guardian, custodian, out-of-home placement order)
    • Parent
    • Adult who has your parent's written permission to make health care decisions for you
    • Adult relative responsible for your health care
    • In some circumstances, a school nurse, school counselor, or homeless student liaison

    If an authorized adult will not attend the vaccine appointment with you, check with your vaccine provider about requirements for showing proof of authorized adult consent or legal emancipation.

View Section 5 of the COVID-19 FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination for children.



Outreach toolkits for organizations: resources to help families with questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children

These toolkits pull together information and resources to help community and faith organizations, childcare providers, schools, and other youth service providers answer common questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children. It includes links to videos, flyers, social media graphics, and other resources, and also tips on how organizations can use these resources.

Toolkit for children ages 6 months to 5 years:

Outreach toolkits for organizations - COVID-19 Vaccination for Babies and Younger Children

Toolkit for children ages 5 to 11 years:

Outreach toolkits for organizations - COVID-19 Vaccination for 5 to 11 years

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: What Parents/Guardians Should Know (PDF)

This flyer from Washington Department of Health explains the importance of getting COVID-19 vaccinations for children and answers common questions that families have.


Public Health – Seattle & King County COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Form (PDF)

This form is used at Public Health – Seattle & King County vaccination sites, including the Auburn and Kent Vaccination Partnership Sites and Public Health clinics. If an authorized adult will not attend the vaccine appointment with you, this form can be used as written consent. Public Health staff can also accept verbal consent over the phone or a written note from an authorized adult. If your vaccine appointment is not at a Public Health site, check with your vaccine provider about requirements for showing proof of authorized adult consent or legal emancipation.

Videos about vaccine for children ages 5 to 11

Kids ask Dr. Ben Danielson about COVID-19 vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds

Beloved local pediatrician Dr. Ben Danielson answers some common questions from kids about the vaccines. This is a great video for parents to watch with their children before going to get the shot!

Dr. Ben Danielson answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines

Dr. Ben answers parents' questions about the COVID-19 vaccines for 5 to 11 year-olds

Beloved local pediatrician Dr. Ben Danielson answers some common questions from parents about the COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Dr. Ben Danielson answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines

Videos about vaccine for children in Spanish and Somali

In accordance with Federal civil rights law, Public Health – Seattle & King County does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of an individual’s protected class, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, and marital status. If you have a complaint and wish to file a grievance, or have a question about possible discrimination, please contact the King County Civil Rights Program at civil-rights.OCR@kingcounty.gov; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104.

young girl receiving vaccination

Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth

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