VIDEO: CDC’s Oliver on the future of COVID-19 vaccines for children

NEW YORK — The future of COVID-19 vaccines for children hopefully will include simplifying the process of getting shots into their arms, CDC medical officer Sara E. Oliver, MD, MSPH, says in this video.

In a keynote presentation at the Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium, Oliver noted the increasing number of available COVID-19 vaccines and recommendations for children — and the sometimes confusing similarities of the vaccine vials.

“We’re doing everything we can to streamline and simplify the process,” said Oliver, who leads the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices work group for COVID-19 vaccines.

Oliver also discussed how to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children, which has been underwhelming in the United States.

Approximately 58% of children aged 6 months to 17 years had not received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Nov. 9, including around 90% of children aged 6 months to 4 years, according to CDC data.

Oliver said a strong provider recommendation is the best way to improve uptake of any of the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

“Parents across the board say that they want to hear from a trusted medical source,” Oliver said.

References:

AAP. Children and COVID-19 vaccination trends. https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/children-and-covid-19-vaccination-trends/. Published Nov. 9, 2022. Accessed Nov. 19, 2022.

Oliver S, et al. Keynote presentation: The effectiveness, safety, and future of COVID vaccines for children. Presented at: Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium; Nov. 19-20, 2022; New York (hybrid meeting).