Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19. Caregivers may choose which vaccine their child gets, but most health care providers will only have one type of vaccine available. Caregivers are encouraged to get whichever vaccine is available to their child.
Both vaccines are effective in reducing the rate of infection and create similar levels of immunity in kids. It is estimated that both vaccines decrease the rate of hospitalization, the rate of MIS-C, and the rate of ICU stays.
- Pfizer: Children 6 months through 4 years receive a three-dose primary series. (Two doses three weeks apart and a third dose at least two months later.) Each dose is one-tenth of the Pfizer dose adults receive.
- Moderna: Children 6 months through 5 years receive a two-dose primary series. (Two doses four weeks apart.) Each dose is one quarter of the Moderna dose adults receive.