Updated COVID-19 Booster Guidance for Children

On May 19, 2022 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s vote to expand eligibility and update recommendations for booster doses.

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster? 

The following groups are eligible for a second booster dose:

Parents with questions are encouraged to talk to their child’s healthcare provider, school nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the booster, and the importance of keeping children up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. 

In addition, CDC strengthened its COVID-19 vaccination guidance to recommend that everyone ages 50 years and older who received any COVID-19 booster dose—as well as everyone ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised—receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, CDC encouraged these populations to consider receiving a second booster dose based on their individual circumstances. However, over the past few weeks, CDC has seen a steep and substantial increase in hospitalizations for older Americans. Another COVID-19 booster dose could help restore protection that may wane over time. 

For more information about who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster, click here.

This project was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant number NU50CK000580). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this resource center do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.