O3020: Global Perspective of COVID-19 Vaccines in Children

Background: COVID-19 vaccination among pediatric patients is a rapidly evolving topic. Throughout the pandemic, different regions have had varied approaches to vaccination efforts for children and adolescents. Currently, there is limited data regarding international COVID-19 immunization rates, policies, and beliefs towards pediatric COVID-19 vaccines. We sought to gain insight into the global status of COVID-19 immunizations in the pediatric population by surveying vaccine experts from around the world.

Methods: An electronic survey was created to elicit country-specific COVID-19 vaccination rates, age eligibility, policies, and beliefs. Survey participants included World Health Organization (WHO) country representatives involved in maternal and child health, as well as members of the Advanced Course of Vaccinology (ADVAC). ADVAC is a network of vaccine decision-makers involved in academia, industry, governmental, and non-governmental agencies whose faculty are top level vaccine experts in their respective countries. Survey results were collected electronically and qualitatively analyzed via Qualtrics XM.

Results: Based on survey responses, the main COVID-19 vaccine types used included Moderna (mRNA-1273), Novavax (NVX-CoV2373), Pfizer (BNT162b2), and Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV). No countries have reported mandatory vaccination for children at this time. Preliminary data showed country-specific public opinion towards the COVID-19 pediatric vaccination as “mixed opinions” or “satisfied with current mandates.” The primary reason for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was listed as concern regarding vaccine safety. The majority of public attitudes towards vaccinating children against COVID-19 on a scale of -10 (mostly negative) to +10 (mostly positive) ranged from 0 (neither positive or negative) to +5 (somewhat positive).

Conclusion: This study helps us gain a global understanding of the status of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination efforts, regulations, and attitudes. Survey data demonstrated how regional policies can impact vaccination rates. These results can help guide global public health efforts to optimize COVID-19 immunization among children and adolescents. Limitations of the study include reporting bias given respondents are members of vaccination and public health initiatives. Future avenues include assessing shifting public viewpoints as more information about vaccine safety and efficacy becomes widely available for the pediatric population.