What you need to know
- Unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness, long-term health complications, and even death from preventable diseases like the flu and COVID-19.
- Vaccines are rigorously tested before they’re approved for any age group, and severe side effects are extremely rare.
- Recommended vaccines prevent children from spreading dangerous illnesses to vulnerable family members, like newborns who are too young to get vaccinated and older adults.
In recent years, the U.S. has seen more outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Experts attribute the rise in disease outbreaks to declining childhood vaccination rates, which puts everyone at risk.
While some families are hesitant to vaccinate their kids due to concerns about side effects, research shows that severe complications from vaccines—including flu and COVID-19 vaccines—are extremely rare. In fact, millions of children in the U.S. safely receive vaccines every year.
Like bike helmets and seatbelts, vaccines are essential for children’s safety. Read on to learn how routine vaccines protect kids from catching and spreading dangerous germs.
Why do children need routine vaccines?
Unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness, long-term health complications, and even death from preventable diseases like the flu and COVID-19, which are among the leading causes of death for kids in the U.S. About 80 percent of children who died from the flu during the 2023-2024 flu season and had been eligible for a vaccine were not up to date on flu vaccines. Plus, babies and young children are at high risk of complications from diseases like measles and whooping cough, which are on the rise.
When children are up to date on vaccines, their immune systems are prepared to recognize germs and attack them before serious outcomes occur. Recommended vaccines also prevent children from spreading dangerous illnesses to vulnerable family members, like newborns who are too young to get vaccinated and older adults.
Are vaccines safe for kids?
Yes. Vaccines are rigorously tested before they’re approved for any age group, and severe side effects are extremely rare.
The most common vaccine side effect is mild pain and swelling at the injection site. In fact, the risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases is much higher than the risk of complications from vaccines themselves.
It’s also safe for kids to receive multiple vaccines at once—including updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which are available now and recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
When and where can children receive updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
Children can get this season’s flu vaccine now as well as an updated COVID-19 vaccine if it’s been at least three months since their last COVID-19 infection. The CDC recommends that children receive this season’s flu vaccine by the end of October. Multiple doses may be required.
Find pharmacies near you at Vaccines.gov. Young children may need to get vaccinated by their pediatrician.
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.