What you need to know
- The COVID-19 and flu viruses evolve over time, so it’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older get updated vaccines each year to stay protected.
- Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to become available in September.
- COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe for kids and protect against severe illness and death.
As the new school year approaches, kids will soon be exposed to more germs, including the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu. Between 2021 and 2022, COVID-19 was a leading cause of death in children and adolescents—and current wastewater data shows that COVID-19 levels are high or very high in most states. Plus, children under 5 are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications.
Fortunately, updated vaccines to keep kids better protected from these viruses will be available soon.
Read on to learn when and where updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available and what to do if your children get sick with a respiratory virus now.
When and where can parents get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines for their kids?
Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to become available in September through pediatricians, pharmacies, and local health departments. But if you have children under 3 years old, get them vaccinated by a pediatrician, as pharmacies may have age restrictions.
Most children can get free COVID-19 and flu vaccines through private health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccines for Children Program also provides free COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured, and American Indian or Alaska Native.
Are vaccines safe for children?
Yes. Vaccines are some of the safest medical inventions ever developed. All vaccines—including COVID-19 and flu vaccines—are rigorously tested before becoming available to the public. And once they’re in use, vaccines are closely monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Severe side effects are extremely rare. Plus the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh any potential risk to children or adults.
What should families do if their kids get sick with COVID-19 or the flu?
Children who are sick with COVID-19 or the flu should stay home from school. The CDC says anyone who tests positive for a respiratory virus can resume normal activities when their symptoms improve and they have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. However, children and adults may still be contagious even when they’re fever-free. Review your school’s respiratory virus protocols, as policies may vary.
The CDC recommends taking added precautions like masking for five additional days to reduce the risk of spreading viral particles to others. Other household members can also wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask to protect against infection.
Families should seek medical attention if a child’s symptoms are severe or if the child has risk factors for severe illness, including diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or immune dysfunction.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.