COVID-19 Resource Center / Children's Health
Children's Health
Physical Health
There have been nearly two million cases of COVID-19 within the age group of 5-11 years old.
COVID-19 can make children very sick and cause them to be hospitalized with serious complications, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) where different body parts become inflamed. Like adults, children with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
For more information or to check your child’s symptoms, visit Stanford Medicine Children's Health.
Expectant Mothers
It’s recommended that mothers continue to breastfeed or provide their milk even if they have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it.
For more information on pregnancy, motherhood, and COVID-19, visit Stanford Medicine Children's Health.
Vaccines
Vaccinating children is safe and can help protect your family, especially if siblings are not eligible for vaccination or family members are at increased risk of serious illness. The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get the updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
To learn about the CDC guidelines and recommendations for children’s vaccination, visit the CDC.
To learn about children’s vaccines or to schedule a vaccine or booster shot, visit our Vaccine Update page.
To learn more about vaccination requirements for schools, go to CA.gov.
Mental Health
The pandemic has increased stress for families including disrupted routines, financial strain, and conflicts with family and friends. Talking to children and teens about how to cope is important for their peace of mind and yours.
For information on how to talk to teens and children about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control Parental Resources Kit.
If you think your child is in imminent danger of self-harm:
- 24/7 Emergency Hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish
- Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741741
- Search for your County’s Department of Mental Health online or in a phone book
Parents also need to take care of their own mental health needs. Be sure to schedule breaks for yourself, walk around the block, meditate or breathe deeply, perhaps call a friend. Take time for yourself.
For what parents need to know, visit Stanford Medicine Children's Health.
For more information on teens and mental health during COVID-19, go to Youth Suicide Research Consortium.
Other Tips
Explain in language children can understand what COVID-19 is, and what they can do to protect themselves and others like covering a cough or sneeze with their elbow.
For more ways to keep your family safe, visit the CDC website.
To check your own county school guidelines, visit the California Department of Education.
For more information on masks for children, visit California Department of Public Health.
For tips on children’s masking and guidelines, visit the COVID-19 Patient Education Center at Stanford Children’s Health.