CDC: Study underscores importance of vaccinating children against COVID-19

Unvaccinated children aged 5-11 were twice as likely as vaccinated children to be hospitalized for COVID-19 in the first few months of the omicron wave, according to a study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study looked at 397 children hospitalized for COVID-19 between Dec. 19, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022, and found 87% were unvaccinated, 30% had no underlying medical conditions and 19% were admitted to an intensive care unit. Black children accounted for the largest proportion of unvaccinated children (34%). CDC said the study results underscore the importance of vaccinating children against COVID-19.

The White House and Department of Health and Human Services will host a virtual summit April 22 from noon to 2:30 p.m. ET on how the medical community can encourage COVID-19 vaccination among children, pregnant people and young adults. Click here to watch on April 22.