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How can I best protect my child from COVID-19?

Get them vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, when available to them.
Teach children about COVID-19 health and safety measures to help stop the spread.
Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing).
Stay home when sick, except to get testing or medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently in common areas (like tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks).

It’s important to teach children and teens how to practice social distancing, especially for those who are not eligible to be vaccinated. The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as possible. For infants, the best way is to limit exposure and avoid unnecessary public contact. Infants as young as 6 months old can begin their COVID-19 vaccine series. Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19.

To keep your baby healthy, when going out:

Keep the outing short and always follow the 6 feet distancing rule.
Cover the infant carrier (not your baby) with a light blanket. This will help protect your baby, but still gives them the ability to breathe comfortably. Do not leave the blanket on the carrier in the car or at any time when your baby and carrier are not in your direct view. Check on your baby often.
Do not put a cloth face covering on your baby, or any child under the age of 2.
Never leave children alone in the car. The temperature in your car can become deadly in a short time.
Wash hands (and any children’s hands) as soon as you return home.

The U.S. currently has three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use (EUA). The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received FDA full approval for use in 16 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is available under EUA for those 5 to 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for use in those 18 years of age and older.

You can find additional information from the CDC about preventing COVID-19 here:

Source:
CDC: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Immunization Schedules

These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.

From birth through 6 years
From 7 through 18 years
For adults (19 years or older)
Catch up schedule
Building Blocks for MI Immunity from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
Make sure your child is immunized on schedule. For a complete list of recommended immunizations, just select your child’s birth date.
From the CDC

Immunization Tracker
This print-friendly chart helps you track your child’s vaccinations at each appointment.
From the CDC

Michigan School & childcare Immunization Requirements

Request your child’s immunization record

The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), is an immunization registry managed by MDHHS and reported to by immunization providers. MCIR allows healthcare providers or individuals to access their immunization records regardless of their location in Michigan. This system also helps to track local and state immunization rates of Michigan residents to ensure immunity to vaccine-preventable illnesses. MCIR is a lifespan registry that includes infant through adult records.

Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from your doctor’s office or your local health department
Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from MDHHS department

For your appointment

Before, during, and after pregnancy protection
When you’re pregnant, you share everything with your baby. That means when you get vaccines, you aren’t just protecting yourself — you are giving your baby some early protection, too. The CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you and your baby need before, during, and after pregnancy.
From the CDC

Get prepared: Before, during, and after your child’s appointment
There are things you can do before, during and after your child’s appointment to make them easier and less stressful for both of you.
From the CDC

Mobile app from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created a free mobile app called Vaccines on the Go: What You Should Know so you can access credible, science-based information from wherever and whenever you need it.

Find your local Michigan public health department or immunization clinic
See the directory of Michigan’s 45 local public health departments for more information on your child’s immunization record and where to get them vaccinated.

Other Vaccination Organizations & Advocates

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines to parents and healthcare professionals.

Shot by Shot
Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases is a collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases.

Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.

Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.

Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
PKIDs’ mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases, the methods of prevention and transmission, the latest advances in medicine, and the elimination of social stigma borne by the infected; and to assist the families of the children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic, viral infectious diseases with emotional, financial and informational support.

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