Background

Administration of COVID-19 vaccines to as many Californians as possible is critical to control the pandemic. Based on evidence of safety and efficacy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now reduced the minimum age for its Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccines to 6 months.

Research has continued to show that vaccines prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. All children 6 months to 17 years should complete their primary series. Children aged 5 and older are eligible for and recommended to get a first booster dose. More information on the risks and benefits of the authorized vaccine products from Moderna and Pfizer vaccines can be found on the FDA website. 

Options for Consent

Persons younger than 18 years must have parental or guardian consent given by a legally authorized representative (parent or guardian). An emancipated minor may consent for him/herself.

Allowable consent includes:

• Parent/guardian accompanies the minor in person.
• If the parent/guardian cannot accompany the minor, a signed written consent is acceptable. The written consent must verify the parent/guardian has been provided the Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet (PDF) or the Moderna EUA Fact Sheet (PDF).
• Phone or video consent is possible if the parent/guardian confirms that they have been provided the Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet (PDF) or the Moderna EUA Fact Sheet (PDF) or the relevant Fact Sheet is read to the parent/guardian.
• To learn more about risks, benefits, and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines, check the CDPH website Get the Facts on Vaccines (ca.gov) and/or read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's COVID-19 Vaccines information page.