Vaccine FAQs

Yes. Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Children’s National is administering the Pfizer vaccine depending on age/situation:

• Families can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months and older with one or more qualifying underlying health conditions in our primary care practices. The vaccine is also available during certain specialty care appointments and for hospitalized children when medically appropriate.
• There are several other safe and convenient options available to families seeking vaccines for their children. We encourage families to call their pediatrician or to use schools and retail drug stores like Walgreens or CVS. Also, consider public health distribution centers in the county or city you live in to obtain the vaccine for your child. Families can visit vaccines.gov to find a location to receive the vaccine.

Learn more in our COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.

No, one parent or guardian must be on-site to consent to their dependent child below the age of 18 getting the vaccine. Parental consent for dependent children is required at Children's National. Telephone or electronic consent is not permitted – the parent or guardian must be present at the vaccine appointment.

Yes, we are prioritizing children ages 6 months and up with one or more qualifying underlying health conditions, but parents/caregivers and older siblings can also request vaccination from Children’s National Hospital. There also is ample supply of vaccines for adults in the community at public health facilities, retail drug stores (including the Walgreens pharmacy in the atrium of the hospital) and primary care doctors. Families are encouraged to find the most convenient and timely option for themselves and their children.

Make sure your child has eaten well and is hydrated prior to receiving the vaccine. The appointment itself should take only about 20 minutes. We encourage parents to discuss health concerns with their primary care physician prior to coming in for the vaccine. Questions about side effects, allergies and other topics are best answered by the child’s pediatrician.

We provide an official CDC-issued vaccination card with the first dose of vaccine. Please bring that card with you when your child receives their second dose. The card serves as the official documentation of the COVID-19 vaccination, so it is important not to misplace the card.

Take a picture of the card after each dose is given and register for digital vaccine documentation with your state health department to maintain back-up proof of vaccination.