COVID-19 Resources

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to prevent it. Families can also take additional steps to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

• Staying home when you are not feeling well

• Coughing into your elbow and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing

• Frequent hand washing

COVID-19 vaccines went through rigorous testing and have been deemed safe and effective for children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children from an infectious disease expert at Children’s Health.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, the CDC recommends staying home and away from other people while they have a fever and/or symptoms. They may be able to return to school and regular activities if both are true:

• They have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and

• Their symptoms have improved over 24 hours

Once your child returns to regular activities, they should take extra precautions, such as wearing a mask and physical distancing, for the next 5 days.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19 and does not have any symptoms or fever, they may still be contagious. Take added precautions for the next 5 days after testing.

See the CDC's full guidance on how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you or your child are sick.

If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, be sure to monitor their symptoms, get them tested and take precautions to minimize the potential spread of the virus. Follow the CDC's respiratory virus guidance to lower risk of getting or spreading common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV.

In general, research suggests that natural immunity against infection is strong for about 3-5 months. After that, your risk of COVID‑19 reinfection may start to go up.

It's important to know that how long natural immunity lasts varies by person. Your level of protection can depend on your severity of illness, age, chronic conditions or other factors. Natural immunity may offer less protection for certain people, including those over the age of 65.

Fortunately, COVID‑19 vaccines can help reduce the risk of reinfections:

• One study showed that people who do not get vaccinated after having COVID‑19 are two times as likely to get infected again than those who do get vaccinated.

• Vaccinated and boosted individuals can keep their immunity protection longer than those not vaccinated.

Preliminary research also shows that if you have had COVID-19 before, the virus is less likely to make you severely ill if you get it again. While this may depend on your age and other health conditions, in general, your risk of hospitalization from COVID‑19 is much lower with reinfection, and symptoms tend to be milder. This is especially true if you are up-to-date on your vaccinations.

No, the COVID-19 vaccine does not cause infertility. There is no scientific evidence or data suggesting that any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine, affects fertility in any way. The myth likely stems from misinformation about how the vaccine works. The vaccine uses mRNA to teach the body how to build a harmless spike protein, triggering an immune response. It does not interact with DNA or contain any ingredients that impact reproductive organs or function.

Some people have reported temporary changes in their menstrual cycle after vaccination, but these changes are short-lived and do not affect fertility. Experts, including those at leading medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly support vaccination and affirm its safety for reproductive health. Protecting your overall health with vaccines is one of the best ways to protect your future fertility. Seasonal allergies and COVID‑19 can share symptoms that make them difficult to tell apart like congestion, runny nose, coughing, sore throat and fatigue. However, allergies often cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and follow a yearly pattern- unlike COVID‑19, which may include fever, body aches, shortness of breath, nausea or loss of taste or smell. If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms seen in COVID‑19, contact your pediatrician. They can review symptoms and let you know if your child should get a COVID‑19 test.

Seasonal allergies and COVID‑19 can share symptoms that make them difficult to tell apart like congestion, runny nose, coughing, sore throat and fatigue. However, allergies often cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and follow a yearly pattern-unlike COVID‑19, which may include fever, body aches, shortness of breath, nausea or loss of taste or smell. If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms seen in COVID‑19, contact your pediatrician. They can review symptoms and let you know if your child should get a COVID‑19 test.

When speaking with someone who is vaccine hesitant, approach the conversation with empathy, patience and respect. Start by listening to their concerns without judgement. Gently provide accurate, science-based information from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Common concerns include safety, effectiveness, fertility and rare side effects like myocarditis. Reassure them with facts: vaccines are rigorously tested , safe and effective at preventing serious illness. Sharing your own vaccination experience can also help. Most importantly, encourage them to speak with their doctor or pediatrician, and keep the conversation open, respectful and informed.

Some early research, including a 2022 report from the CDC, suggests that children may be at an increased risk of developing diabetes after a COVID-19 infection. However, experts say this possible link is not yet fully understood. The findings are based on medical claims data and do not account for other factors like obesity, medications or preexisting conditions that can also influence diabetes risk. More research is needed to confirm if and how COVID-19 may contribute to the development of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in children.

In the meantime, parents should be aware of early warning signs of diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, nausea or unexplained weight loss, especially if their child had COVID-19. If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician about simple tests that can screen for diabetes. Keeping children healthy through regular checkups and vaccination is still one of the best ways to protect against COVID-related complications, including those possibly linked to diabetes.

Preparing your child for a COVID-19 test starts with staying calm and explaining the process honestly but simply – such as describing the quick, slightly uncomfortable nose swab – to help reduce their fear. Reassure them that the test is to keep them healthy, not because they are in trouble. If your child shows symptoms like fever, cough or loss of taste or smell, or has been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider about testing. At-home rapid tests are generally reliable for detecting COVID-19 in children, especially when symptoms are present, allowing quick isolation if positive.

However, if your child tests negative but symptoms continue, it’s best to retest or get a PCR test, as negative results only reflect that moment in time. Using trusted sources like the CDC for guidance and giving age-appropriate explanations can make the testing experience easier for both children and parents.

Yes, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination is important because the virus continues to change over time. As new variants emerge, updated vaccines are designed to protect against the strains that are most common. For children ages 6 months to 17 years, parents should talk with their child’s healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is right for them. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of serious illness and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community, especially as immunity can decrease over time.