The COVID-19 vaccines for children have the same active ingredients as the primary vaccines given to adults. However, children receive a smaller, age-appropriate dose that is the right size for them. The smaller doses were rigorously tested and found to create the needed immune response for each age group. Your child should get the vaccine made for their age group.
The CDC recommends eligible people 6 months and older receive an updated, bivalent Pfizer or Moderna vaccine that offers better protection against variants. For more information about the safety, efficacy, and timing of each pediatric vaccine, please visit CDC’s page about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.