COVID-19 can make children and teens of any age very sick and sometimes requires treatment in a hospital.

The CDC is urging adults to protect children ages 5 years and older, especially from severe disease, hospitalization or death by getting them vaccinated against COVID-19.

The CDC says getting eligible children and teens vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them:
· From getting really sick if they do get COVID-19;
· In school or daycare; and
· Safely participating in sports, play dates and other group activities

The CDC acknowledges there is no way to tell in advance how children or teens will be affected by COVID-19. However, those with underlying medical conditions or who have a weakened immune system are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

The CDC adds, without underlying medical conditions also can experience severe illness. Almost half of children younger than 18 years old who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 had no underlying conditions.