학술논문

Vaccination against COVID-19 — risks and benefits in children.
Document Type
Article
Source
European Journal of Pediatrics. Mar2024, Vol. 183 Issue 3, p1107-1112. 6p.
Subject
*MULTISYSTEM inflammatory syndrome in children
*POST-acute COVID-19 syndrome
*COVID-19 vaccines
*VACCINATION of children
*SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant
Language
ISSN
0340-6199
Abstract
Countries in Europe and around the world have taken varying approaches to their policies on COVID-19 vaccination for children. The low risk of severe illness from COVID-19 means that even small risks from vaccination warrant careful consideration. Vaccination appears to result in a decreased risk of severe illness including the paediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome known to be associated with COVID-19. These risks have already decreased significantly with the emergence of the Omicron variant and its subvariants, and due to widespread population immunity through previous infection. There is a relatively high risk of myocarditis following second doses of mRNA vaccines in adolescent males, although the general course of this condition appears mild. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination only provides a transient reduction in transmission. Currently, insufficient evidence exists to determine the impact of vaccination on post-acute COVID syndromes in children, which are uncommon. What is Known: • Vaccines against COVID-19 have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality around the world. • Whilst countries have universally recommended vaccines for adults and continue to recommend them for vulnerable populations, there has been more variability in recommendations for children. What is New: • In the setting of near universal existing immunity from infection, the majority of the initial benefit in protecting against severe illness has been eroded. • The risks of myocarditis following mRNA vaccination for children is low, but an important consideration given the modest benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]