Most children usually have mild illness, but those with conditions like obesity, diabetes, nerve issues, or heart or lung problems can get very sick, sometimes requiring hospital care or intensive treatment.
Getting a vaccine is still one of the best ways to lower this risk.
The shot is given by a health care provider into a muscle, usually in the upper arm for kids and adults and in the upper thigh for infants. Those who’ve never had the Moderna COVID-19 shot need two doses, one now and one a month later. Those who’ve taken one previous dose need one more after a month. Those who’ve taken two or more doses need just one more, at least two months after their last shot. Moderna plans to have its updated Spikevax vaccine ready in the U.S. for people who need it during the 2025-2026 cold and flu season, according to their news release. The most common side effects of the Spikevax shot are pain where the needle went in the skin, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, fever, rash, swelling or tenderness in the armpit or groin, nausea, and vomiting. Babies and toddlers may be fussy, cry, feel sleepy, have stomach pain, or not want to eat. In rare cases, they may faint or have seizures from a high fever.
