WIC Works Resource System
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Protect mom, baby, and young children
You can visit COVID.gov as a new one-stop shop website that helps all people in the United States gain even better access to lifesaving tools like vaccines, tests, treatments, and masks, as well as get the latest updates on COVID-19 in their area. This site (available in English, Spanish, and Chinese) includes a Test-to-Treat locator to help people access pharmacies and community health centers across the nation where people can get tested for COVID-19 and receive appropriate treatments if they need them.
Recommendations, Information, and Resources
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all children 5 years of age and older. While COVID-19 tends to be milder in children compared with adults, it can make children very sick and cause children to be hospitalized. In some situations, the complications from infection can lead to death.
- CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.
- Check out COVID-19 - Vaccinations for Children for more information.
CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 and older get a booster shot. Find answers to frequently asked questions about boosters and what to expect before, during, and after your booster shot appointment.
CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.
Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect from severe illness from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free - even if the individual does do not have insurance. HRSA offers no-cost COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccine information, including fact sheets to help both patients and providers understand their rights and responsibilities regarding access.
Key Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program (includes booster recommendation)
CDC offers videos, such as those on vaccine safety and side effects and public service announcements to tribal communities from Academy Award Recipient Wes Studi (also found on CDC's Tribal Communities COVID-19 page).
Previous Updates and Other Important Information
- CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 years of age and older to help protect against COVID-19.
- There are a number of COVID-19 vaccination considerations for those who are pregnant*. Pregnant individuals may wish to discuss getting vaccinated with their healthcare provider.
- To help protect mom and baby, the CDC advises that those who are pregnant get the recommended vaccines (those unrelated to the coronavirus), which are important before as well as during and after pregnancy. (Need some encouragement and reassurance tips to pass along? Check out the Top 7 Things you Need to Know, also available in Spanish.)
- During the pandemic, parents and caretakers of babies may experience increased stress and fatigue that could affect their ability to ensure that their baby is sleeping safely. Learn more about, and educate your participants on reducing the risk of SIDS.
Find the latest information and tips from CDC for how those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for young children* can protect themselves and their families, information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination before, during, and after pregnancy, and more about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and breastfeeding, including:
- How pregnant women should protect themselves
- Risks to the pregnancy and the baby
- Mother-to-child transmission
- Breastfeeding if you have COVID-19
- Pumping/expressing milk if you have COVID-19
*resources also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese
CDC also offers COVID-19 related videos in their American Sign Language series, including Pregnancy and COVID-19, as well a Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents, and information about what to do if you are sick of caring for someone.
You can also find:
- Communication resources in English and Spanish for general information that include a social media toolkit.
- Communication Toolkit, available in multiple languages, for specific messaging targeting migrants, refugees, and other limited-English-proficient populations.
