As of June 18, 2022, children as young as 6 months are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC recommends that children and adolescents age 6 months and older get vaccinated. Over 22 million children and teens age 5-17 are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health.
Pope Francis, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Cardinal Cupich have affirmed that it is morally permissible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines.
The dose and series authorized for children is informed by clinical trials on safety and effectiveness. For more information about dosage and vaccines, click here.
Click here for information about symptoms and COVID-19 variants.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine
As a faith community concerned about the sanctity of human life, the archdiocese encourages everyone to get vaccinated and booster shot for the sake of their own health and the common good.
To register for vaccination or to get more information about the vaccine, visit your local health department’s vaccination website:
- City of Chicago (Link)
- Lake County (Link)
- Cook County (Link)
- Or for more information, visit the CDC’s website here.
- Find a COVID-19 Test to Treat location (Link)
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine booster
Federal health officials have authorized two updated COVID-19 vaccines, known as bivalent boosters, designed to target omicron subvariants. People age 12 and up, who have completed a primary vaccine series, should receive a bivalent booster two months after their second dose or their last booster shot.
Children age 6 months to 11 years are not eligible for a bivalent booster. Children age 5-11 years should receive a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine at least five months after their second dose.
People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should consult with their specialty provider about timing and dosage of vaccines.