COVID-19 and Children

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for more than 500 million cases worldwide as of April 2022. Initial estimates in 2020 found children were less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and more likely to be asymptomatic or display mild COVID-19 symptoms. Our early understanding of COVID-19 transmission and disease in children led to a range of public health measures including school closures that have indirectly impacted child health and wellbeing. The emergence of variants of concern (particularly delta and omicron) have raised new issues about transmissibility in children, as preliminary data suggests children may be at increased risk of infection especially if unvaccinated. Global national prevalence data shows SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents is rising due to COVID-19 vaccination among adults and increased circulation of delta and omicron variants. To mitigate this, childhood immunisation programs are being implemented globally to prevent direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19 including severe complications (e.g. MIS-C), debilitating long-COVID symptoms, and the indirect impacts of prolonged community and school closures on childhood education, social and behavioural development and mental health. This talk will provide an overview of the current state-of-knowledge on COVID19 in children, including COVID-19 vaccination strategies, with using some examples of research findings from MCRI, Melbourne.