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For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in languages other than English, visit the CDC website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Program
As a COVID-19 vaccination provider, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides vaccinations according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local departments of health. (Updated: Jan. 11, 2023)
What You Need to Know
The Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in the primary vaccine series for all children 6 months and older. This approval includes the most recently approved bivalent vaccine, which provides protection against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.
COVID-19 booster vaccination enhances protection against COVID-19 that may have decreased since your primary vaccine series. Children ages 6 months and up are eligible to receive the updated (bivalent) vaccine as either a booster (Moderna) or a third dose (Pfizer). Children who have already received three doses of the original (monovalent) Pfizer vaccine, are not eligible to receive a booster at this time.
We recommend all eligible children 6 months+ receive a full COVID-19 vaccination series, including a third dose for immunocompromised patients and recommended boosters.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and whether it’s time for a booster, view this guidance from the CDC.
What You Can Do Now
If your child is due for a COVID-19 primary or booster vaccine, call your CHOP Primary Care office to discuss your options and schedule a vaccine appointment.
Vaccines are also widely available at local pharmacies. You can search this vaccine finder (available in English and Spanish) to find a vaccine program close to home.
If your child receives any dose of the vaccine at a location other than CHOP, please notify your pediatrician at your next visit.
Prepare your child for vaccinations with this kid-friendly interactive resource.
Answering Your Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines
For answers to other frequently asked questions, we encourage you to refer to these helpful resources for more information from trusted sources:
- Long-term Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine? What We Know (or watch this video)
- How do mRNA Vaccines Work?
- Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
- What to Know about COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Under 5 (including tips to comfort babies and toddlers)
- Three Factors to Assist Parents' Decision-Making
- Get the Facts about Myocarditis and COVID-19
- FAQs about getting your COVID-19 vaccine at CHOP (eligibility, CHOP vaccine clinics, safety and more)
- FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines (ingredients, how they work, side effects, safety and more)
- Supporting School-Age Children Before, During and After Vaccination
- My COVID-19 Vaccine Experience: Watch short videos sharing personal experiences and decision-making related to getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Still have questions about getting vaccinated through CHOP? Call CHOP's Coronavirus Helpline at 800-722-7112.
Resources for Non-English Speakers
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines in other languages, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for resources in languages other than English.
Community Vaccination Programs
From hosting vaccination events in underserved neighborhoods to vaccinating unaffiliated healthcare workers, CHOP has partnered with organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about CHOP’s community vaccination efforts.
Security Reminder
CHOP will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords or social security numbers outside of MyCHOP, our patient portal. If you receive a call, text, email, or social media message asking for sensitive information, do not respond. If you have questions, call your CHOP provider using a phone number you know is legitimate, or contact us through MyCHOP.
