CDC data confirm third COVID-19 vaccine dose safe in young children

The first data on the safety of a third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose among young children show that a third dose is safe for children ages 6 months to 5 years old, similar to findings for doses one and two, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported June 8, based on reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and v-safe voluntary smartphone health checker for use after vaccination.  
  
“This study’s findings can reassure health care professionals, parents, and caregivers that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children ages 6 months to 5 years and can protect them from severe illness,” CDC said. 
 
While CDC recommends that all children ages 6 months through 5 years old receive at least 1 bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose, vaccination rates among this age group have been low.