AAP’s updated 2026-27 guidance for prevention of COVID-19 is now available. View the Policy Statement and Technical Report. 

Register for the webinar, AAP Red Book Hot Topics Live Webinar - Preparing for 2026-27 Respiratory Virus Season, on September 15, 2026 at 6pm CT.

 

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.  

Policy Statement Technical Report

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.  

Learn More

Professional Tools & Resources

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Dosing Quick Reference Guide

Learn about age-appropriate dosing of COVID-19 vaccines, including for immunocompromised children. Includes product-specific guides for those administering only one product.

Liability Considerations for Immunizations

Guidance for topics such as informed consent and liability considerations for COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information & Implementation

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine products for children, their storage and preparation, and other implementation tips.

COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: Getting Paid

Find helpful guidance on getting paid for administering COVID-19 vaccine in your practice.

Long COVID in Children

Long COVID is a chronic condition that can affect children, adolescents and adults and can lead to significant disruption in physical activity, education, athletic achievement and social skills development.

COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign Toolkit

Use these videos, articles, social media graphics, sample posts and printable flyers with families and caregivers as you share the message about the importance of vaccination for all our kids.

Patient Care Topic: Immunizations

View information about the importance of vaccines, as well as AAP immunization recommendations and resources.

Patient Care Topic: Infection Prevention and Control

Resources and tools to help educate healthcare workers on foundational infection prevention and control practices.

Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Reflections on COVID-19: Living and Learning in a Pandemic

View this online report summarizing pandemic learnings. Learn more about the impacts, responses, and lessons for the future.

Successes and Lessons Learned in Responding to the Needs of Pediatricians, Children, and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Read this published report summarizing the AAP response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the resources developed and advocacy to support children, families and pediatricians during this unprecedented time.

Resources for Families

Immunization Facts for Families

One page fact sheets designed for clinicians to share with families to improve immunization knowledge and confidence. 

View

HealthyChildren.org Articles

View this collection of COVID-19 articles written for the patient and family audience.  

Learn More

Resources for Families

View this collection of COVID-19 articles written for the patient and family audience.  

Learn More

Get Involved

Council on Children and Disasters

Learn more and join this community of peers who share an interest in enhancing disaster management.

Section on Infectious Diseases

Learn more and join this community of primary care pediatricians and subspecialists who share an interest in infectious diseases.

Last Updated

09/02/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics