Español

Updated November 6, 2023

Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine, formulated to match current strains of the virus.

Some of our clinics are now offering shots to children who come to UCSF for primary care. We no longer offer the previous round of bivalent booster shots, which the FDA has phased out.

 

  • Children ages 6 months and up should get the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Children who are immunocompromised should follow the guidelines recommended for them. (See below.)

COVID-19 vaccines remain the best public health measure for protecting people from the virus, slowing transmission and reducing the likelihood of new variants emerging. Full vaccination requires two or three doses administered at separate appointments, depending on your child's age and the vaccine you choose. (See below for more information.) When your child gets the first dose, we'll schedule the next appointment.

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Children who come to UCSF or a UCSF affiliate for primary care are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine with us. Patients 6 months to 17 years must be accompanied by a parent or other adult caregiver.

To schedule an appointment, please contact your child's primary care provider. You can also ask for an updated dose of the vaccine during an already scheduled well-child visit, follow-up visit or sick visit.

At the Mount Zion location of our Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, we offer a limited number of nurse-only visits specifically for vaccination. If your child comes to Mount Zion for primary care, you can book a nurse-only appointment on MyChart or by calling the clinic. If your child goes to a different UCSF clinic for primary care, contact that clinic to ask about vaccination scheduling.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available through many neighborhood pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. If your child isn't a UCSF patient, we recommend scheduling an appointment at a local pharmacy, visiting California's My Turn website or contacting your child's primary care provider.

If you prefer the COVID-19 vaccine of a specific manufacturer, we recommend scheduling an appointment at your local pharmacy. Supplies fluctuate at UCSF and we cannot guarantee the availability of specific brands.

Vaccination guidelines

Find the CDC's latest guidance on vaccination.

Guidelines for immunocompromised patients

Kids who are moderately to severely immunocompromised have different recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines than kids with normal immune function.

Visit the CDC's website for details on additional doses for immunocompromised patients, including who should get them. Eligible kids can receive these shots at UCSF. Community pharmacies also offer them; you can make an appointment at California's My Turn website or www.vaccines.gov.