COVID-19 Information

Pediatric vaccine information

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics locations will offer vaccination clinics in the coming weeks and months. For more information, please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccines page on the DHMC and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics website.

To learn more about COVID-19 and how to prevent you and your child from catching the virus, please refer to the following sections on this page:

What is COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

COVID-19 first appeared in 2019. It is caused by a coronavirus, part of a large group of viruses that can make people sick. COVID-19 can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe cold-like symptoms, which can be life-threatening.

View the American Academy of Pediatrics children's vaccine schedule (PDF)

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Body aches
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy nose

Severe cases can cause pneumonia and may be life-threatening.

Some people experience long-term health effects after a COVID-19 infection. These health effects can last weeks, months, or even years. This post-COVID condition is called Long COVID.

Read more about Long COVID.

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How does COVID-19 spread?

If a person has COVID-19 and talks, coughs, or sneezes, the virus can spread easily through the air. This is the most common way the virus spreads from one person to another.

The virus can also spread through surfaces and then by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. But this doesn’t happen as often.

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How do you avoid catching COVID-19?

To prevent you and your child from catching COVID-19, stay up to date with vaccinations. Also, practice good hygiene, such as handwashing and using hand sanitizer.

Young children are at higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization. So, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccination for children ages:

  • 6 months to 23 months
  • 2 to 18 years who have certain health conditions, or if their parent or guardian wants them to get vaccinated

Parents and caregivers should talk with their child's pediatrician about vaccination.

View the American Academy of Pediatrics children's vaccine schedule (PDF)

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Questions?

We are committed to supporting your family during these difficult times. For any questions, please call us:

If you have a specialty-specific question, please call your specialty provider's office.

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COVID-19 resources for families

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