COVID-19 vaccine doses and time between doses by vaccine
• The vaccine and number of doses your child gets depends on their age.
• The vaccines for children age 6 months through 11 years are a smaller dose of vaccine than the vaccines for older children and adults. The size of the vaccine dose is based on the child’s age, not their size or weight.
• Children should get the same type of vaccine for all doses of their primary vaccine series. The primary vaccine series refers to the initial number of doses of a particular vaccine that a person needs. It does not include booster shots.
• It is important to get all recommended doses of the vaccine for the best protection. Children age 5 and older who get the Pfizer vaccine should get a booster dose. Children who get the Moderna vaccine are not recommended to get a booster at this time.
Children age 6 months to 4 years:
Moderna- Get primary dose 1; wait about 4-8 weeks; then get primary dose 2 OR Pfizer- Get primary dose 1; wait about 3-8 weeks; then get primary dose 2; and wait at least 8 weeks; then get primary dose 3
Children age 5 years to 11 years:
Moderna- Get primary dose 1; wait about 4-8 weeks; then get primary dose 2 OR Pfizer- Get primary dose 1; wait about 3-8 weeks; then get primary dose 2; and wait at least 5 months; then get booster shot
People age 12 years and older:
Get primary dose 1; [Novavax and Pfizer] wait about 3-8 weeks and [Moderna] wait about 4-8 weeks; then get primary dose 2; [all] wait at least 2 months; then get bivalent booster shot
Your child’s health care provider can provide more information and help you schedule all recommended doses while getting the first dose. Children who have a weak immune system (immunocompromised) will have different recommendations. Parents and guardians should talk with their child’s health care provider.
For more information on vaccine doses, review the CDC: At-A-Glance COVID-19 Vaccination for recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses based on the type of vaccine and age.