Hospitalizations of Children Aged 5–11 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 — COVID-NET, 14 States, March 2020–February 2022
Dallas S. Shi, Michael Whitaker, Kristin J. Marks, Onika Anglin, Jennifer Milucky, Kadam Patel, Huong Pham, Shua J. Chai, Breanna Kawasaki, James Meek, Evan J. Anderson, Andy Weigel, Justin Henderson, Ruth Lynfield, Susan L. Ropp, Alison Muse, Sophrena Bushey, Laurie M. Billing, Melissa Sutton, H. Keipp Talbot, Andrea Price, Christopher A. Taylor, Fiona P. Havers, COVID-NET Surveillance Team
Abstract
children (9.2).** Non-Hispanic Black (Black) children accounted for the largest proportion of unvaccinated children (34%) and represented approximately one third of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations in this age group. Children with diabetes and obesity were more likely to experience severe COVID-19. The potential for serious illness among children aged 5-11 years, including those with no underlying health conditions, highlights the importance of vaccination among this age group. Increasing vaccination coverage among children, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19, is critical to preventing COVID-19-associated hospitalization and severe outcomes.