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Real family taking a selfie together while they are wearing protective face masks. Scandinavian descent family of four wearing protective mask to protect themselves from viruses during COVID-19 global pandemic.

COVID-19 and Your Kids

Learn how to best protect your family from COVID-19.

As a partner in your health, we care deeply about you and your family.  The CDC currently recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. This includes a smaller dose created specifically for infants and children 6 months through age 5.  We strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all children and adolescents in your household.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine for patients 6 months through age 5 have been approved by the FDA. Children who are 5 and have already received a Pfizer vaccine are also authorized to receive a single booster dose. Children 6 months through 4 years who hope to complete a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, a monovalent vaccine is administered for the first and second doses and bivalent vaccine is administered for the third primary series dose. Children 6 months through 5 years who received a Moderna primary series, 1 bivalent Moderna booster dose is recommended. 

For information on the vaccines available to children 6 months and older, visit the CDC website.

We understand that this may be an uncertain time for many families concerning COVID-19 and vaccines. Many parents/caregivers do have questions on the vaccine. Below you’ll find answers to some of the big questions that may be on your mind. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to visit with your pediatrician or nurse.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to wear a mask remain the best way to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID-19. For additional information check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

FAQs:

General COVID FAQs

  • What is COVID-19?
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes COVID-19 as a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective.
  • Is COVID-19 really affecting our communities?
    Yes, it is. And, we are now seeing COVID-19 impact kids more severely, including hospitalizations and death. For the latest numbers on COVID-19 at Carle facilities, visit the COVID Dashboard.
  • What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and are they different in children?

    People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. For additional information on COVID-19 symptoms visit the CDC website.

  • How can I protect myself and my loved ones from COVID-19?
    • Get the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible!
    • Wear a mask when inside and around others.
    • Wash your hands
    • Cover your cough
    • Stay home if you’re sick
    • Don’t touch mouth, nose or eyes

Vaccines for ages 6 months -11 years

Vaccines for ages 12+

Prevention

  • Should my family continue to wear a mask in public?

    We recommend those ages 2 and older wear a cloth face cover when around others. This is in line with CDC recommendations. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected even if you do not feel sick.

    Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

    Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.

    Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

    Visit CDC.gov for the latest guidance.

  • What else can I do to protect my family?
    The pandemic isn’t over. Talk to your children about ways they can be safe in school and in their activities. Encourage them to follow your school’s social distancing requirements, wear a mask while on the bus and at school, practice good hygiene and to tell you right away if they’re not feeling well.
  • Where can I find additional resources to review?
    There is significant misinformation on the internet. We recommend researching the most reputable sources of information, including the CDC, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.