We recommend that families take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms.

• Make sure your child is wearing a mask when recommended or required.
• Make sure your child is washing their hands.
• Keep your child home if they are sick.
• Call your primary care provider if you or your child has symptoms of COVID-19.
• Make sure that your children get vaccinated when they are eligible. Find a location near you.

A coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which is an illness that was discovered in 2019. Coronaviruses are a type of virus that are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are many kinds of coronaviruses including some that cause respiratory illnesses, like the common cold. The specific symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

COVID-19 spreads when a person infected with COVID-19 breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus when they cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. People who are closer than 6 feet (or 2 meters) from the person with COVID-19 are most likely to get infected. You can get COVID-19 if these droplets or particles are breathed in, land on your eyes nose or mouth, or get on your hands, and then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Vaccines are the best way to protect your child against COVID-19. When your child is fully vaccinated, they are much less likely to get sick and less likely to spread the virus to others. Everyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated. It’s free, quick and easy. Talk with your child’s health care provider if you have questions or find a vaccine site near you at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Everyone, including children who can’t be vaccinated, can take prevention steps to protect themselves and others. Learn more at healthvermont.gov/StaySafeVT.