Guide to Covid-19 Vaccination for Ages 15-18 Years
Get essential information on COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 15 to 18, including benefits, safety, and what parents need to know.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 29th Sep, 2025
Introduction
The rollout of Covid vaccination for children has been a significant milestone in the global fight against the pandemic. For parents of teenagers aged 15 to 18, this brings a mix of relief and questions. Is it necessary? Is it safe? What is the process? This comprehensive guide is designed to address all your concerns, providing evidence-based information to help you make an informed decision for your adolescent's health. We will walk you through the importance of the vaccine, the approved options, the step-by-step registration process, and how to manage side effects. Our goal is to empower you and your teen with knowledge, turning apprehension into confidence as you take this important step towards a safer and more normal life.
Why Vaccinate Your Teen? Understanding the Importance
While it's true that adolescents often experience milder Covid symptoms compared to adults, vaccination remains a crucial tool for their well-being and the health of the community. The decision to vaccinate your teen goes beyond just preventing infection; it's about holistic protection.
Protection Against Severe Illness and Hospitalisation
Although rare, some healthy teenagers can develop severe Covid complications requiring hospitalisation. Vaccination significantly reduces this risk. Data from health authorities like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has shown that vaccinated individuals in this age group have a much lower chance of severe disease, even when infected with newer variants. The vaccine primes their immune system to fight the virus effectively, preventing it from causing serious damage to the lungs and other organs.
Reducing the Risk of Long COVID in Adolescents
"Long COVID," a condition where symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial infection, is a significant concern for all age groups. Teens can experience fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, which can severely impact their education, sports, and social life. Early studies suggest that vaccination can lower the risk of developing long COVID by providing a more robust and coordinated immune response from the start.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Family and Community Members
Teens are often social hubs, interacting with friends, teachers, and family members. Vaccinating them acts as a firewall, reducing the chain of transmission. This is especially critical for protecting vulnerable individuals at home, such as grandparents or those with compromised immune systems who may not mount a strong response to the vaccine themselves. This concept of community protection, or herd immunity, is a key public health benefit of widespread adolescent immunisation.
The Social and Mental Health Benefits of Vaccination
The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of young people, leading to isolation, anxiety, and disrupted routines. Vaccination is a passport back to a more normal life. It allows teens to participate in school, sports, and social events with greater confidence and significantly reduced anxiety about getting sick or unknowingly spreading the virus. This restoration of social connection is an invaluable, though often overlooked, benefit of paediatric vaccination.
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Approved Vaccines for 15-18 Year Olds: What Are the Options?
In India, the government has approved two vaccines for the 15-18 age group. Both have undergone rigorous review for safety and efficacy.
Corbevax: A Protein Subunit Vaccine
Corbevax is a "protein subunit" vaccine. This is a well-established, traditional technology used in vaccines like Hepatitis B. It works by introducing a harmless piece of the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The immune system recognises this protein as foreign and creates antibodies and memory cells to fight it, without using any live virus. This technology is known for its excellent safety profile, making it a strong choice for teen covid vaccination.
Covaxin: The Whole-Virion Inactivated Vaccine
Covaxin is an "inactivated" vaccine, meaning it uses the whole virus that has been killed, making it incapable of causing infection. Once injected, it prompts an immune response. This is another time-tested vaccine platform (similar to polio vaccines) and has demonstrated high efficacy against severe disease in clinical trials for adults, which formed the basis for its extension to younger age groups.
The Vaccination Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Getting your teen vaccinated is a straightforward process, primarily managed through the government's CoWIN portal.
Pre-Registration on the CoWIN Portal
1. Access the Portal: Visit the CoWIN website (cowin.gov.in) or use the Aarogya Setu app.
2. Sign In/Register: Use the parent's mobile number to receive an OTP.
3. Add Teen as Beneficiary: Click on "Add Member" and enter your teen's details: full name, age, gender, and a valid photo ID (School ID, Aadhaar card, or passport are accepted).
4. Schedule Appointment: Once the profile is created, click on "Schedule Appointment." Search for vaccination centres by PIN code or district that offer vaccines for the 15-18 age group.
5. Select Slot: Choose a convenient date and time for the covid vaccine for your 15 year old.
What to Expect on Vaccination Day
• Accompany your teen to the centre.
• Carry the same photo ID used during registration.
• The teen will be screened for any current illness or contraindications.
• The vaccine will be administered, usually in the upper arm.
• You will receive an SMS confirmation and a digital certificate on the CoWIN portal and the Aarogya Setu app after the shot.
Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most side effects are mild to moderate and are signs that the body is building protection.
Typical Reactions: Arm Pain, Fever, Fatigue
• Pain, Redness, or Swelling at the injection site. This is the most common reaction. Applying a cool, wet cloth can help.
• Tiredness, Headache, Muscle Aches. Ensure your teen rests and stays hydrated.
• Fever and Chills. These usually subside within 1-2 days. Paracetamol can be used as per the doctor's recommendation to manage fever and pain.
Rare Side Effects: Myocarditis and What to Watch For
There have been rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) in male adolescents and young adults, mostly after the second dose of mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer/Moderna, which are not currently used for this age group in India). The risk with vaccines available in India is considered extremely low. However, it's important to be aware. Consult a doctor online with Apollo24|7 immediately if your teen experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fluttering heart within a week of vaccination.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most side effects are normal, seek medical advice if your teen has a fever that lasts more than 48 hours, if symptoms seem severe, or if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction (like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, or a rapid heartbeat) shortly after the vaccination.
Preparing Your Teen for the Vaccine: A Parent’s Role
Your support is crucial in making this a positive experience.
Having an Open Conversation
Talk to your teen about why the vaccine is important. Listen to their fears and address them with facts, not dismissal. Explain that side effects are temporary, but the protection is long-lasting.
Hydration and Rest Before the Shot
Encourage your teen to drink plenty of water before and after vaccination. Ensure they get a good night's sleep beforehand and wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the upper arm.
Debunking Common Myths About Teen Covid Vaccination
With so much information circulating, it’s easy for myths about teen COVID-19 vaccination to cause confusion.
• Myth: The vaccine affects fertility.
Fact: There is no evidence supporting this. The ingredients in the vaccine are broken down quickly and do not interact with reproductive organs.
• Myth: My teen already had COVID, so they don't need the vaccine.
Fact: Natural immunity wanes over time. Vaccination provides a strong, reliable boost to protection against reinfection, especially from new variants.
• Myth: The vaccines were developed too quickly to be safe.
Fact: The technology behind these vaccines has been in development for decades. The global emergency led to unprecedented funding and collaboration, speeding up trials without compromising on safety protocols.
Conclusion
COVID-19 vaccination for teenagers aged 15 to 18 is a safe and effective way to protect them from the virus, reduce the risk of severe illness, and help prevent community spread. Staying informed, consulting healthcare professionals, and addressing any concerns can ensure a smooth and confident vaccination experience for both teens and parents.
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Harshendra Jaiswal
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine)
Kolkata
108 DHANA DHANVANTARI Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Swagata Sircar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Harshendra Jaiswal
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine)
Kolkata
108 DHANA DHANVANTARI Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Swagata Sircar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can my teen choose between Corbevax and Covaxin?
The availability of vaccines depends on the policies of the central and state governments and the stock at individual vaccination centres. The CoWIN portal will show which vaccine is being administered at a centre when you book the slot.
2. What is the gap between the two doses?
The gap is typically 28 days for both Covaxin and Corbevax. It's important to complete the two-dose schedule for optimal protection.
3. What if my teen misses the second dose appointment?
You can reschedule the second dose appointment on the CoWIN portal at any time. A delay in the second dose does not require restarting the series; you can get the second dose as soon as possible.
4. Are there any specific contraindications for the covid vaccine for this age group?
Teens with a known history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient of the vaccine should not take it. Those with a current COVID-19 infection should wait until after their isolation period and after symptoms have resolved.
5. How long does protection from the vaccine last for adolescents?
Research is ongoing. Current evidence shows strong protection for several months after the primary series. Recommendations for booster doses for this age group will be based on emerging data and decisions by health authorities.