Vaccine FAQs

• Children 6 to 23 months old should receive the current COVID-19 vaccine. The number of doses needed depends on if the child has already received a COVID-19 vaccine
• Children 24 months to 18 years old who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infections should receive one dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine
• Children 24 months to 18 years old whose parents and guardians desire protection with a COVID-19 vaccine should also receive one dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine

No, one parent or guardian must be on-site to consent to their dependent child below the age of 18 getting the vaccine. Parental consent for dependent children is required at Children's National. Telephone or electronic consent is not permitted – the parent or guardian must be present at the vaccine appointment.

The following individuals are considered high risk for severe COVID-19 infections:

• Individuals with medical conditions that make them high risk for severe disease (see information below)
• Individuals who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
• Individuals who live in long-term care facilities or other settings in which residents live in close quarters
• Individuals with household members who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infections

• Lung or breathing disorders
• Asthma or reactive airway disease
• Chronic lung disease of prematurity 
• Children who have a tracheostomy or need a ventilator 
• Heart disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Children who need a feeding tube 
• Liver disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Hematologic disease
• Sickle cell disease 
• Metabolic disorders
• Diabetes
• Obesity 
• BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile in children
• Neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Cerebral palsy
• Seizures
• Intellectual development disorder
• Limited mobility (such as needing a wheelchair)
• Immunosuppressive conditions 
• Children receiving therapy that causes immunosuppression 
• Primary immunodeficiency 
• HIV infection
• Children receiving transplants 
• Rheumatologic, autoimmune disease
• Lupus 
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
• Disabilities 
• ADHD
• Down syndrome
• Learning disabilities 
• Mobility disorders 
• Movement disorders
• Cancer 
• Chronic kidney disease 

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccines in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement. Pediatrics. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-073924. Children's National Hospital Vaccine Implementation Subcommittee of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. COVID-19 2025-2026 Vaccine Clinical Guidance. September 2025.

Yes, we are prioritizing children ages 6 months and up with one or more qualifying underlying health conditions, but parents/caregivers and older siblings can also request vaccination from Children’s National Hospital. There also is ample supply of vaccines for adults in the community at public health facilities, retail drug stores (including the Walgreens pharmacy in the atrium of the hospital) and primary care doctors. Families are encouraged to find the most convenient and timely option for themselves and their children.

Make sure your child has eaten well and is hydrated prior to receiving the vaccine. The appointment itself should take only about 20 minutes. We encourage parents to discuss health concerns with their primary care physician prior to coming in for the vaccine. Questions about side effects, allergies and other topics are best answered by the child’s pediatrician.

We provide an official CDC-issued vaccination card with the first dose of vaccine. Please bring that card with you when your child receives their second dose. The card serves as the official documentation of the COVID-19 vaccination, so it is important not to misplace the card.

Take a picture of the card after each dose is given and register for digital vaccine documentation with your state health department to maintain back-up proof of vaccination.