- Early evidence relating to the new Omicron variant suggests that younger, immune-naive populations including children under 5 years old, are experiencing higher rates of moderate-to-severe disease and hospitalisation than with previous strains of COVID-19.
- Global advice and evidence continues to mount in favour of protecting children from COVID-19 through the use of masks, enhanced indoor air ventilation, and vaccines.
- Poor protection in high-risk settings, such as school classrooms, continues to leave children vulnerable.
- COVID-19 is a leading cause of non-accidental death in children in the USA.