Children, Youth, & Teen Info

 All Mariposa County residents age 6 months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, for everyone ages 6 months and older. 

** A parent or guardian must accompany a minor for their vaccine appointment.

Click HERE for more information on vaccine & booster eligibility for kids


Use this helpful COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Timeline Guide to find vaccine recommendations for Children & Teens.

Check out this Questions & Answers document (Spanish Version), and this CDPH Pfizer Fact Sheet for youth ages 5-11 (Spanish Version).

Vaccines for Children 6 Months - 5 Years

Both Pfizer and Moderna have been authorized for young children by the FDA  with recommendations from the FDA advisory committee, CDC vaccine advisory committee, CDC, Western States Scientific Safety Review Group, and CDPH.

Child Care Settings

Decision Tree for COVID-19 Case or Suspected Case in Child Care Settings

Decision Tree for COVID-19 Exposures in Child Care Settings  

How can I help prepare my child or teen for vaccination?

Be ready to support your child during the vaccine visit. Pack your child’s favorite toy, book, or blanket to comfort him or her during vaccinations.

If your child is older and you can have a chat:

  • Be honest with your child. Explain that shots can pinch or sting, but that it won’t hurt for long.
  • Engage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.
  • Avoid telling scary stories or making threats about shots.
  • Remind your child that vaccines can keep him or her healthy.

For more information on before, during, and after shots, take a look at these resources and information.

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Are vaccines safe for Children and Teens?

Before recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, scientists conducted clinical trials. The FDA gave the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization to use in children ages 6 months - 15 years of age and full approval to use in people ages 16 years and older. Learn more about the process of developing, authorizing, and approving COVID-19 vaccines.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks. Children ages 5 years and older are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Visit this CDC page to learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children and Teens.

How do I schedule an appointment for my child or teen?

Visit myturn.ca.gov or call MyTurn at 1-833-422-4255 to register and schedule an appointment for one of our vaccine clinics. 

Visit our COVID-19 Vaccination page and our COVID-19 Testing page for additional information.

Help protect your child, your family, and others

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect children ages 5 years and older from getting COVID-19.

  • Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.
  • Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.
  • Vaccinating children ages 6 months and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.
  • Help protect your whole family and slow the spread of COVID-19 in your community by getting yourself and your children ages 6 months and older vaccinated against COVID-19.

The CDC website offers resources and more information on vaccines for children and teens

Staying Safe At School

Keeping kids safely in schools is a top priority as the world continues to navigate this pandemic. For all of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) school place COVID-19 guidance, please click here.

If your child tests positive on a home test, please notify our team by calling 1-209-966-3689, option 4.


Masking Tips for Kids & Youth

CDPH has produced a Tips & Resources fact sheet, English and in Spanish, summarizing masking tips for kids.  

CDPH offers Tips & Resources on Masks for Kids.

Additional Child / Youth Resources & Information

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