Medical leaders in pediatrics, obstetrics, and family medicine recommend COVID vaccination for pregnant people and for children age 6 months and older.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) continue to recommend COVID vaccination to protect pregnant women, their babies, and children from COVID.
Vaccination is also recommended for adults 65+ and people at risk for illness.
Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesotans over 6 months old get COVID 19 vaccine if they want it. “People 65 and older, those with underlying health conditions, young children, and pregnant people are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated,” MDH states. “Minnesotans should talk with their health care provider to ensure they and their families are up to date.”
Minnesotans can get COVID vaccination from a pharmacist or healthcare provider. No prescription is required.
CDC updated federal guidelines on Sept. 19, recommending that COVID vaccination for people ages 6 months and older be determined by “individual decision-making” through discussion with a healthcare provider including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
For children, AAP and AAFP recommend COVID vaccine for all children age 6-23 months. Children younger than 2 years old are at highest risk for severe COVID , according to AAP.
AAP recommends vaccination for children ages 2-18 who have risk factors for COVID including obesity, asthma, diabetes, cerebral palsy, and conditions that affect the immune system. AAP says the vaccine also should be available for all children ages 2-18 whose parent wants them to have COVID vaccine protection.
“Getting the COVID vaccine is the safest and most dependable way to build immunity and avoid serious illness,” AAP states. “Our immunity to COVID-19 decreases over time. That's why it is important for your family to stay up-to-date with COVID vaccines.”
APP recommends COVID vaccine for:
- All children age 6 months through age 23 months, since they are at high risk for severe COVID and hospitalization.
- Children and teens age 2 years through 18 years with these risk factors:
- Health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID
- Living in long-term care facilities or other group settings
- Never having been vaccinated against COVID
- Having household contacts who are at high risk for severe COVID
AAP also updated its immunization schedule for children and adolescents. See AAP’s full recommendations of kids’ vaccination for respiratory virus season.
Family Medicine leaders at AAFP recommend COVID vaccination for children and teens ages 2-18. AAFP also recommends that all adults age 18+ get a COVID vaccine, especially those over age 65; or at increased risk for severe COVID infection; or have never received a COVID vaccine.
“We support ongoing immunization access for any family wanting to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” AAFP says.
For pregnant people, ACOG recommends getting COVID vaccine at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating.
COVID vaccination reduces severity of illness and pregnancy complications including preterm birth and stillbirth, per ACOG.
ACOG says vaccination during pregnancy also provides passive immunity to the infant after birth, protecting them from COVID in the first few months of life before they can be vaccinated.
“Infants continue to be hospitalized for COVID at higher rates than all age groups except adults 75 years and older, but vaccination during pregnancy can help protect infants against requiring hospitalization,” ACOG says.
ACOG continues to strongly recommend that all individuals who are or will be pregnant during influenza season get a flu vaccine as soon as it is available, during any trimester of pregnancy.
ACOG also recommends that during RSV season, pregnant people get an RSV vaccine to protect their infants after birth. RSV is a respiratory virus that is especially dangerous for infants.
COVID, flu and RSV vaccinations can all be given at the same time.
Insurance coverage for vaccination
CDC’s new guidelines allow for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms including Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Health plans will continue to cover COVID and influenza vaccines through 2026, with no cost-sharing for patients, says AHIP, the national trade association representing the health insurance industry (formerly America's Health Insurance Plans).
MDH says the Minnesota Department of Commerce will work with health plans to ensure continued coverage for vaccines. MDH encourages individuals to call their insurance carrier to confirm coverage.
How to get vaccinated at NH+C
Vaccination is set to begin on September 29 at all of NH+C's primary care clinics.
Call your clinic for a vaccination appointment. Vaccination is given by a nurse. You can get COVID and flu shots at the same time.
If you wish to discuss vaccination with your provider, make an appointment with your provider.
Please have your insurance information available when you call for your appointment.
For other options to get vaccinated, see MDH’s map and clinic listings: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/vaxfinder.html