COVID-19 Vaccines Recommended for Infants and Young Children

According to the Wyoming Department of Health, recommendations for safe, free and effective vaccinations to help prevent COVID-19 infection and serious illness have been expanded to include children six months and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, following authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, now recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged six months through four years with a three-dose serious and appropriate dose amount for that age group. Scientists and medical experts completed a review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials of thousands of young children before recommending vaccines for them. Across the country, millions of older children and adults have been safely vaccinated.

State Health Officer and Wyoming Department of Health State Epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist said everyone ages six months and older should receive COVID-19 vaccines if they haven’t already. She said they have certainly seen some children become very ill due to the virus and children can also spread COVID-19 to others who may be vulnerable to the virus and its effects. Harrist said children can receive other vaccines at the same time as the vaccine for COVID. Parents of newly eligible children should contact their local public health office or other approved COVID-19 vaccine provider about availability of the appropriate vaccines. The newly authorized vaccines for young children are in the process of being ordered, shipped and delivered to Wyoming locations. All COVID-19 vaccine doses, whether for children or adults, continue to be offered at no cost to those who receive them. Detailed information about COVID-19 vaccines for children, including questions and answers for parents about safety and potential side effects, is available here.