International comparison of the impact of the pandemic and vaccination measures adopted on children and adolescent population

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to compare the cumulative incidence, hospitalizations and mortality, by country and age group, in child and young people (CYP) from the beginning of the pandemic to January 2022, and to describe the differences and similarities and justification in the measures adopted in relation to CYP vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A descriptive quantitative summary of the available data on the impact of the COVID-19 on children and adolescents (<18y) from 7 countries (Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Nigeria, Ghana, Spain) or regions (Kocaeli, Turkey), based on official published data was performed. Outcome measures were available data on incidence, admission to hospital and to intensive care units (ICU), and deaths, by country or region; vaccination plans, including age, type of vaccine and official justification about the proposal. Results: All countries analyzed data showed variable incidence rate, and relatively low ICU hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccines used and age at starting were also variable, i.e. starting at 3-5y in some Latin American countries, while in other countries proposal starts at 15y old. Almost all justifications were based on the idea to promote collective protection, and that vaccination is important as it -directly and indirectly- protect the rest of the population. Conclusions: The results reinforce the idea of the urgent need to prioritize globally and equitably distribution of vaccines in the population at greatest risk, and to apply the precautionary principle in CYP before deciding to massively vaccinate it.