Discussion
Pediatric ED visits sharply declined in the United States during 2020 compared with 2019,[1] and although the weekly numbers of visits have varied, ED visits remained lower during 2021 and January 2022 compared with those before the pandemic.[2] These declines might be associated with parents' and caregivers' risk perception and avoidance of EDs or health care, among other reasons. Despite overall declines, weekly ED visits did increase for children aged 0–4 years at the end of 2021, aligning with the increased circulation of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the United States. These increases were not observed in children aged 5–11 and adolescents aged 12–17 years; both age groups were eligible for vaccination at the end of 2021. COVID-19–associated visits, and those for exposure and screening for infectious disease, were the top two visit diagnoses for children of all age groups during January 2022. Being up to date with vaccinations is critical for adults and eligible children and adolescents†† to prevent infection, severe illness, or death from COVID-19,[3,4] and might reduce strain on health care resources. Supplementary testing§§ strategies for COVID-19 can further alleviate the impact of the pandemic on EDs.[3,5]
The proportion of visits for non–COVID-19 respiratory illnesses mostly declined across all periods examined, suggesting that COVID-19 prevention measures might have reduced transmission of other respiratory viruses as well.
