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COVID · Optional

COVID-19 (COVID)

By IN2Labs Last reviewed Sources: CDC, FDA Editorial policy

COVID is given from 6 months of age and is optional in this planner (CDC and AAP recommendations differ). The COVID-19 vaccine protects against COVID-19.

Not a standard school requirement

Key takeaways

  • On the routine, on-time schedule, COVID is a 2-dose series. Delaying the start doesn't change the total number of COVID doses — it spaces them out.
  • COVID can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. The dose count stays the same, but visits can be spread out. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.
  • None of the COVID products listed on this page contain an aluminum adjuvant.
  • COVID is generally not required for kindergarten entry. Check your state's specific rules.

What changes when COVID is delayed?

On the routine, started-on-time schedule, COVID is a 2-dose series. Delaying the start does not always change this, but for several vaccines the CDC's own catch-up rules mean a later start needs fewer total doses. Here is what applies to COVID:

  • From age 6 months. The AAP recommends it for all children 6–23 months; the CDC recommends it through shared clinical decision-making between parents and clinicians (and for children with moderate to severe immunocompromise).
  • CDC routine guidance (Moderna/Spikevax): unvaccinated children 6–23 months get 2 doses, dose 2 at least 4 weeks (4–8 weeks) after dose 1; unvaccinated children 2–4 years get 1 dose. Pfizer-BioNTech is no longer authorized for ages 6 months–4 years. Children with prior COVID-19 vaccine doses follow different rules (e.g., 1 dose at least 8 weeks after the last dose) that this tool does not model.
  • 2026–27 FDA labels (Spikevax 6 mo+, Comirnaty 5 y+) cover healthy children under 65 only with a high-risk condition; products and doses change each season.
  • Treat as fully optional and confirm current guidance with your child's healthcare practitioner.

The exact timing depends on your child's age and how you space visits. The spaced-out scheduler applies these rules automatically and shows the minimum doses still needed by your deadline. For a fuller look at timing, risks and catch-up, see the delay guide for COVID.

What brands and ingredients does the COVID vaccine have?

The US-licensed products below are listed with their manufacturer, aluminum content, preservative and egg flags, and full ingredient list. Each card links to the official CDC or FDA source. Formulations change — treat these as a starting point, not the final word.

Single-disease brands

Spikevax

Moderna

No aluminum Thimerosal-free Preservative-free Egg-free

mRNA-LNP. No aluminum, preservative, or egg. Reformulated yearly (2026–27 formula targets XFG, approved Aug 2026). Only option for ages 6mo–4yr; labeled for 6 mo–64 y with a high-risk condition, or 65+.

Ingredients (8)
  • mRNA (spike)
  • SM-102 (ionizable lipid)
  • PEG2000-DMG
  • cholesterol
  • DSPC
  • tromethamine (Tris) buffer
  • acetic acid / sodium acetate
  • sucrose
FDA — Spikevax ↗ CDC — COVID-19 vaccine by product ↗

Comirnaty

Pfizer-BioNTech

No aluminum Thimerosal-free Preservative-free Egg-free

mRNA-LNP. No under-5 presentation. 2026–27 label: ages 5–64 with a high-risk condition, or 65+. Reformulated yearly.

Ingredients (7)
  • modRNA (spike)
  • ALC-0315 (ionizable lipid)
  • ALC-0159 (PEGylated lipid)
  • DSPC
  • cholesterol
  • tromethamine (Tris) buffer
  • sucrose
FDA — Comirnaty ↗
Formulations change, so confirm the live label. Ingredient lists, aluminum amounts, and even which products exist are updated over time (flu and COVID formulations change almost every year). Check the current source: Vaccine Excipient Summary (Pink Book, Appendix B) and Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States.

COVID vaccine FAQs

How many doses of COVID does my child need?

On the routine, on-time schedule, COVID is a 2-dose series. Delaying the start doesn't change the total number of COVID doses — it spaces them out.

Can the COVID vaccine be delayed or spaced out?

Yes. COVID can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. The dose count stays the same, but visits can be spread out. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.

Does the COVID vaccine contain aluminum?

No. None of the COVID products listed on this page contain an aluminum adjuvant.

Is COVID required for school?

COVID is generally not required for kindergarten entry. Check your state's specific rules. See requirements by state.

Plan COVID on a slower schedule

See how many COVID doses your child would still need and when, on a spaced-out plan that finishes in time for school. Review the result with your child's healthcare practitioner.

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Sources

Primary sources only. Links open the publisher's own page.

  1. CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (opens in a new tab)
  2. CDC Catch-up Immunization Schedule (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)
  3. CDC Child and Adolescent Schedule Notes (opens in a new tab)
  4. CDC Vaccine Excipient Summary (Pink Book, Appendix B) (opens in a new tab)
  5. FDA Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States (opens in a new tab)
  6. FDA FDA — Spikevax (opens in a new tab)
  7. CDC CDC — COVID-19 vaccine by product (opens in a new tab)
  8. FDA FDA — Comirnaty (opens in a new tab)