How Vaccination Benefits Young People

Although young people tend to have milder symptoms during COVID-19 infections than adults, some can and do become very sick. In addition, children who are vaccinated will not be required to quarantine after an exposure to COVID. Vaccinating teens is also an important step toward reopening schools, and returning to the “normal” social activities so important to the overall health and wellbeing of our adolescents.


Vaccines for Ages 6 to 59 Months

CHKD Health System is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 6 to 59 months in a phased approach as our practices and locations gradually receive their limited shipments of the vaccine. Each of the practices below have received and started administering the vaccine. Please choose a practice for more information and availability. 

The following practices will also be receiving a limited supply of the vaccine - Please call for availability at these locations.


Vaccines for Ages 5 and Older

Many CHKD practices offer COVID-19 vaccinations to patients ages 5 and older. To schedule an appointment, call your pediatrician. 


Boosters for Ages 5-11

Boosters are now recommended by the CDC and VDH for children 5-11 years of age who have completed their primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine five months ago or more. 


COVID Vaccination Information for College Students

Some colleges and universities are requiring students to have COVID-19 vaccinations to return to campus, or to provide a medical waiver signed by a physician stating that there is a medical reason that the student should not receive the COVID vaccination.

CHKD Medical Group encourages all eligible young people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and our pediatricians are available to discuss any concerns a patient or parent may have regarding the vaccine. If a teen qualifies for a medical waiver based on published FDA and CDC guidance, it will be provided.

At this time, medical exemptions will be limited to those who:

  • Had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or
  • Had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of the vaccine.

If parent or patient does not want to receive the vaccine, but there is not a medical exemption, it will be necessary for the parent to direct all concerns to the university requiring the vaccine.

CHKD Medical Group practices are or will be offering COVID vaccine approved for the appropriate age group. At this time, that is the Pfizer vaccine to be able to include our patients down to 5 years of age. To make an appointment to get your child vaccinated, please call your pediatrician.


Find a Vaccination Clinic Near You

CHKD Medical Group practices will not be the only avenue to have your child vaccinated. The Virginia Department of Health has a COVID Vaccine Information Center to help Virginia residents get vaccine information. Call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA or visit vaccinate.virginia.gov for more information.

You may also find vaccination clinics near you here:  https://vaccinefinder.org/.