View the recording of COVID-19 Vaccines: Clearing the Air on Liability and Practice Considerations to hear from legal, clinical and communication experts on shared decision-making and professional protections for administration of COVID-19 vaccines to children.
COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms, although some people can become severely ill.
AAP Recommendations
The AAP recommends routine vaccination against COVID-19. Specific information on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19 can be found in the COVID-19 Chapter of the AAP Red Book.
More About the Science
The vast majority of Americans have some immunity to COVID-19 either though immunization, infection, or both following the global pandemic (2020-2023). However, immunity wanes over time as the virus mutates. COVID continues to cause hospitalization and death in pediatric populations with rates of COVID hospitalization highest among infants who are less than 6 months of age. Additionally, some infected people will go on to experience long-term symptoms known as Long COVID.
Professional Tools & Resources
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Resources for Families
Immunization Facts for Families
One page fact sheets designed for clinicians to share with families to improve immunization knowledge and confidence.
HealthyChildren.org Articles
View this collection of COVID-19 articles written for the patient and family audience.
Resources for Families
View this collection of COVID-19 articles written for the patient and family audience.
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Last Updated
12/11/2025
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics