IMPORTANT UPDATES

Boy wearing face mask sitting in chair at Egleston hospital

COVID-19, or SARS-CoV-2, is a coronavirus that began affecting people in 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. As scientists and public health agencies continue to monitor this virus, it is important to be informed and stay updated.

In the event that a child presents with a known or suspected COVID-19 infection, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is prepared to support diagnosis and management according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Pre-surgical testing

We test all patients for COVID-19 if they are scheduled for an aerosol-generating procedure at Children’s, regardless of their vaccination status.

Researchers mobilize to fight COVID-19.

Researchers at Children’s and the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics are working together to fight COVID-19 in the lab. These research projects are contributing to the body of knowledge around the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

learn more

Eligibility

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Vaccination sites

COVID-19 vaccine series are approved for children ages 6 months and older. Individuals can visit the CDC’s vaccine finder to find a location near them.

At Children's, we are taking every precaution to help make sure your patients are safe when visiting one of our facilities. We have taken a number of important steps to make our facilities as safe as possible.

Masking Policy (Updated March 21, 2024)

  • Voluntary masking is encouraged.
  • Masks are required for:
    • Patients and families in Urgent Care and Emergency Department waiting rooms who are showing signs of illness. 
    • Patients, guardians and visitors who are at high risk for infections. *
    • Clinical team members and employees during direct patient care if the patient has a condition that requires masking, is in isolation or is showing signs of illness.

*If you are unsure if your child is at high-risk for infections, please ask their care team.

Please ensure that a well caregiver is bringing the child in for services. If not possible, please notify the clinical team before your arrival for options.

Family members, visitors of patients and caregivers with potentially contagious illnesses should not visit Children’s facilities. If there is an issue, please notify the clinical team immediately.

Patients, employees and visitors are strongly encouraged to practice diligent hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of germs.