A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Now Available for Kids 6 Months to 4 Years

Most children 6 months to 4 years are now eligible for their updated COVID-19 vaccine, which offers the most up-to-date protection against COVID-19 variants. These vaccine doses are becoming available in North Carolina this week following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation.

The updated vaccine is a bivalent vaccine that targets both the original coronavirus strain and Omicron variants. Like previous COVID-19 shots, children 6 months through 4 years get a smaller dose of this updated vaccine than other age groups. Children under 5 should get the same vaccine brand for all recommended doses. Children are eligible for the updated dose of their COVID-19 vaccine if they are:

  • 6 months to 5 years and got their last dose of a Moderna vaccine at least two months ago
  • 6 months to 4 years who already had two doses of the Pfizer vaccine and are ready for their third dose

Children 6 months and older may be able to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccines they are due for at the same visit, including during routine checkups. Parents should talk with a health care provider to make sure their child is up to date on COVID-19 and other vaccines. The updated vaccine, like all COVID-19 vaccines, is safe to get alongside the annual flu shot.

As we spend more time gathering indoors this winter, it’s important that everyone stays up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines to help protect against serious illness, hospitalization, death and long-term complications from the virus. 

We need your help to make sure every North Carolinian has easy access to the information they need to protect themselves and others. Please share the resources below with the communities you serve:

Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are still free to everyone through federal funding, regardless of insurance or immigration status. When federal funding ends, COVID-19 vaccines will be available like flu shots and other routine vaccinations but may no longer be free for everyone. Flu vaccines are often available at little to no cost. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines including nearby providers, visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the CDC-INFO Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO.