Fewer cases of COVID-19 have been reported in children (ages 0-17 years) compared with adults.1-3 While children have been less affected by COVID-19 compared with adults, children can get sick from COVID-19 and can spread COVID-19 to others. Some children may develop severe illness. Children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness compared to children without underlying medical conditions.*
Rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations are also lower in children of all ages compared to adults, but some children develop acute COVID-19 symptoms requiring hospitalization.4 Though it is very rare, some children who have had COVID-19 may later develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19.
Everyone 12 years and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, yet vaccination coverage among children ages 12-17 years is lower than in older groups.5 CDC recommends that everyone 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine. To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
