Excel strongly encourages all eligible community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their families, and the community. Vaccination remains the most effective tool we have against COVID-19.  Further, vaccinated individuals are far less likely to have severe cases of COVID-19.  See below for answers to the most frequently asked questions.

For more information about the vaccine, check out these explainers:

  • How does the Covid-19 vaccine work? ENGESP
  • What is in the Pfizer vaccine? ENGESP
  • Will my child have side effects from the vaccine? ENGESP
  • My child had Covid. Should they get vaccinated? ENGESP
  • My child is scared of needles. What can I do? ENGESP

When making health decisions for your family, it is important to have the facts. This page provides science-based information about COVID-19 vaccines.

When can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get a COVID-19 vaccine and boosters, if eligible, to help protect against COVID-19. Use the CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when your child is eligible to get a booster.

Authorized For Pfizer Moderna J&J/Janssen
4 years and under Yes Yes No
5 years old Yes Yes No
6-17 years old Yes No No
18 years and older Yes Yes Yes

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine for my child who is eligible? 

The COVID vaccine is free for all, and no ID or insurance is needed to be vaccinated. Go to VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for a vaccine appointment near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines?

  • Vaccinated people are much less likely to test positive for COVID-19, to be hospitalized for COVID-19, and to die from COVID-19 compared to people without the vaccine.
  • In Massachusetts, less than 1% of people who have been vaccinated have been hospitalized because of COVID-19 and even fewer have died from COVID-19.

I’ve heard kids who get sick with the virus have a mild case of COVID. Do they really need to be vaccinated?

  • Over 6 million children in the U.S. have been infected with COVID-19.  Most infections are mild, and children fully recover.  But some children have gotten sick and even died from COVID-19.
  • Children who have mild or severe disease can develop “long COVID”.  “Long COVID” can cause long-term health problems.
  • A child who gets sick with COVID-19 can spread it to others and they will miss out on school and other activities!
  • Vaccines are important to make sure children can go to school, activities, play sports, and see friends!

What are common side effects of the vaccine for younger kids?

  • Side effects are normal reactions to a vaccine and means that your child’s immune system is doing what it is supposed to.
  • The most common side effect is redness and swelling at the injection site.
  • Some children may experience tiredness, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, chills and fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and decreased appetite.

Should my child get the vaccine if they already had COVID-19?

  • Yes!  It is possible to be reinfected after having COVID-19.
  • Getting vaccinated after having been infected with COVID-19 will give your child a greater level of protection.

Why are boosters recommended? 

  • Studies show that protection from COVID-19 vaccines wears off because antibody levels decrease over time.  Boosters are needed for the best protection against COVID-19 and variants.

What steps should we take if we are sick?

Your doctor is the best person to speak with if you believe you may have been exposed to or may be sick from COVID-19. There is an extensive healthcare network in place, and your doctor is an important part of it. If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, muscle aches, shortness of breath or loss of smell, your doctor may advise that you get tested. You may also contact these trusted healthcare organizations in the community. Testing and treatment for COVID-19 related symptoms are available at EBNHC and MGH Chelsea regardless of immigration status, health insurance, or ability to pay.

  • East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC): Call 617-569-5800.
  • Massachusetts General Hospital Chelsea (MGH Chelsea): Call 617-724-7000.