How COVID-19 affects children

Children can develop COVID-19, but evidence suggests they do not get as sick as adults.

Although studies suggest many Australian children and adults have now had COVID-19, very few children develop severe symptoms with COVID-19 and the vast majority globally have recovered without needing medical support.

Evidence suggests that coronavirus infection in children is very uncommon, and severe disease is rare, with a majority of COVID-19 infections occurring in adults. Infectious diseases experts at The Children's Hospital at Westmead are conducting research to better understand why this is the case by analysing the human immune response amongst children and adults. 

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 5 years or older to protect against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years with severe immunocompromise, disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.

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