Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
We analyzed first-dose coronavirus disease vaccination coverage among US children 5–11 years of age during November–December 2021. Pediatric vaccination coverage varied widely by jurisdiction, age group, and race/ethnicity, and lagged behind vaccination coverage for adolescents aged 12–15 years during the first 2 months of vaccine rollout.
Introduction
Although more common among adults, severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and hospitalization can occur in children. Among >8,300 hospitalized children 5–11 years of age, 1/3 required intensive care.[1,2] Children can transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to others, highlighting the need for pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations. On November 2, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer Inc., https://www.pfizer.com) in children 5–11 years of age. We analyzed first-dose vaccination coverage among children 5–11 years of age and stratified coverage by age group, sex, race/ethnicity, and jurisdiction.
Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2022;28(5):986-989. © 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
