COVID vaccines for children — what have we learned over the years?

Aim of the study: As the epidemic progresses, universal vaccination against COVID-19 has been the trend, but there are still some doubts about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents, children, and even infants. To evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the population aged 0-17 years.

Results: There was a total of six randomized controlled trials included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, enrolling participants in the age range of 3-17 years, and containing three types of COVID-19 vaccines. Compared with mRNA vaccines and adenovirus vector vaccines, inactivated vaccines have a more satisfactory safety profile, both after initial (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.90, P = 0.03) and booster (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.20-2.81, P = 0.005) vaccination. The risk of adverse reactions was significantly increased after the first and second doses, but there was no significant difference between the first two doses (RR 1.00, 95%CI 0.99-1.02, P = 0.60). Nevertheless, the two-dose regimen is obviously superior to the single-dose schedule for immunogenicity and efficacy.

Aim of the study: The mass vaccination of children against coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has been frequently debated. The risk-benefit assessment of COVID-19 vaccination versus infection in children has also been debated. This systematic review looked for answers to the question "was the vaccination of our children valuable and successful?".

Results: The search results revealed that the majority of the reported adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination in pediatrics were mild to moderate, with few being severe. Injection site discomfort, fever, headache, cough, lethargy, and muscular aches and pains were the most prevalent side effects. Few clinical studies recorded significant side effects, although the majority of these adverse events had nothing to do with vaccination. In terms of efficacy, COVID-19 disease protection was achieved in 90-95% of cases for mRNA vaccines, in 50-80% of cases for inactivated vaccines, and in 58-92% of cases for adenoviral-based vaccines in children and adolescents. Based on available data, COVID-19 immunizations appear to be safe for children and adolescents. Furthermore, multiple studies have proven that different types of vaccines can provide excellent protection against COVID-19 in pediatric populations.

Aim of the study: A large-scale vaccination of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in adults has been conducted for nearly a year, and there is a growing recognition that immunization for children is also essential. It has been months since emergency use of pediatric COVID-19 vaccine was approved, we reviewed the prevalence and transmission of COVID-19 in children.

Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 in children is reduced due to vaccination even in a Delta prevalent period, so an increase in the vaccination rate is needed in children. Although the precise role of children in the transmission requires more research to uncover, they likely played a significant role, according to the available literature. We also described four candidate COVID-19 vaccines for children on their safety and immunogenicity and the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants on childhood vaccination. Safety issues on pediatric vaccines post-approval, like adverse events following immunization and adverse events of special interest require studies on long-term and effective regulatory mechanisms.

Aim of the study: Vaccination is considered to be one of the most effective means of protecting individuals and populations from the risks associated with exposure to various pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affected people of all ages worldwide.

Results: An analysis of recent published studies reveals that the majority of clinical trials have reported a sustained immune response following COVID-19 vaccination in children across various age groups worldwide. The majority of the authors highlighted the effectiveness and safety of immunization schedules in children and adolescents. The population-level efficacy of this vaccination remains to be determined, provided that the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Long-term side effects must still be monitored to enable the development of safer and more effective vaccines for future pandemics.