COVID-19 vaccines for children, parents and families
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free.
COVID-19 is a serious illness that can affect everyone in our community. Having your child vaccinated protects them from getting seriously ill if they catch COVID-19.
Vaccine eligibility
Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years with severe immunocompromise, disability and complex health conditions are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
All people aged 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine.
It’s normal to experience some level of discomfort after receiving a vaccine. Talk to your child about the importance of being fully vaccinated.
Book a vaccination time
Use the vaccine clinic finder to find your closest vaccination provider.
Getting your child vaccinated
It’s important to have a discussion with your child about the benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19 and reassure them that the vaccine has been tested and is safe.
Help with needle phobias
If your child has a fear of needles, read our information on strategies for dealing with needle phobia during vaccinations,
After your child’s vaccination
Your child will be required to wait 15-30 minutes after their vaccination to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. The most common reactions are injection site pain and headaches, which can be treated using paracetamol.
You should monitor your child in the days following their vaccination and consult your GP if you have concerns.
Unless your child experiences discomfort following their vaccine that would interfere with their usual activities at school, there’s no reason your child can’t go about their regular day-to-day activities after receiving the vaccine.
Immunocompromised children
Children whose immune systems have been compromised due to medical treatment (such as chemotherapy, organ transplants, and current use of immunosuppressive medications) are more at risk from the common cold, the flu and other infections, and are more at risk of developing a serious illness from COVID-19.
This includes patients with autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis), those who are post liver transplantation, and those who have had a splenectomy.
Discuss your child’s current level of immunosuppression with their specialist and follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines to protect your child.
Always take precautions to prevent the spread of infections for immunocompromised children (including basic hand and respiratory hygiene practices, and social distancing). Carers and other close contacts should be vaccinated.
Children with disability
If your child has a disability, they can still be vaccinated at:
- a participating GP
- the Queensland Specialist Immunisation Service at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Find out more about people with disability and their carers.
Vaccination after having COVID-19
You should get vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19.
After you have recovered, you should wait 3 months before getting your first or next dose.
You must not attend a vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
More information
- How to support your child if they’re nervous about needles
- How to be COVID-safe with your child’s mental health | CHQ
- COVID-19 and Kids: What you need to know | CHQ
- Emerging Minds
- Raising Children - COVID-19 family guide
- Birdie and the virus - helping kids cope with feelings and fears about coronavirus