COVID-19: Vaccines for Children, Parents, and Pregnant People

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 6 months and up whose parents want them protected. Getting your child vaccinated helps prevent them from getting severely sick and helps protect them from long-term complications or even death.

Wisconsinites can get more information about the COVID-19 vaccine from their health care provider or pharmacy, or on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) COVID-19: Vaccine webpage. Those who need assistance accessing health care or health care coverage can dial 211 for help finding local resources.

What should you expect at your child’s vaccination visit?

• Most vaccination sites may require vaccine recipients under 18 years old to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Some vaccinators accept written or verbal (such as via telephone) consent to administer the COVID-19 vaccine from the child’s legal parent or guardian.
• Your child can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine vaccinations.
• After your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine, they will be observed for at least 15 minutes. If they experience any immediate reactions, medical staff will be available to help right away.
• Shortly after your child gets their vaccine, they may experience mild side effects, such as fever, chills, and pain or swelling on the arm that got the vaccine. These are common signs that their immune system is strengthening its response to the virus.

Is it safe to get vaccinated if I am pregnant?

Experts in fertility, maternal care, and public health continue to strongly urge all individuals who are pregnant now or want to have children in the future get a COVID-19 vaccine. People who are pregnant are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Getting sick from COVID-19 infection when pregnant can cause preterm birth, stillbirth, and other pregnancy complications.

Vaccination either before conception or early during pregnancy is the best way to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Vaccinated people are far less likely than unvaccinated people to get COVID-19. 

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting severely sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.