Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Children: viewpoint and recommendations of the Union of European National Societies of Pediatrics

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA), have been shown to be safe and effective in the adult population at preventing severe disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide. The use of COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years has been the subject of extensive debate, as the assessment of risks and benefits was considered more complex than in adults. Different circumstances were taken into account, including common reactions, infrequent serious side effects, possible impact on routine immunization programs, as well as vaccine supply and cost of vaccination. However, COVID-19 vaccines for individuals of this age group were authorized initially for emergency use and later approved by the stringent regulatory authorities FDA and EMA and have since been adopted with widespread use in several countries worldwide. In addition, both the FDA and EMA in October/November 2021 authorized the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children 5-11 years of age. Their approval followed a thorough evaluation process demonstrating the same high standards of quality, safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy observed in the older populations.COVID data tracking indicates that in the US, 20.1% of the 5- to 11-year-old population have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine by December 16. The percentage of fully vaccinated subjects in the 5- to 11-year-old group is 11.3%; 62.3% of adolescents in the 12- to 17-year-old age group have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. In Europe, the debate over the extension of the use of COVID-19 vaccine in children <17 years old is ongoing. The 27 member states of the European Union (EU) showed different views and adopted divergent policies. It is unclear whether a unitary position will eventually be taken by the EU and non-EU countries on the use of COVID-19 vaccination in individuals <17 years of age. In the meantime, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that in the first week of December 2021, only 20.8% of the European population aged 12-17 years received at least 1 dose of vaccine, whereas no vaccinations were reported in children 5-11 years old. This article authored by the European Paediatric Association/Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), discusses the importance of implementing SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children. The aim of this article is to advocate and raise awareness among pediatricians, lawmakers, public health officers, and school educators on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in these 2 population groups. Vaccination of children and adolescents will protect them from the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its short- and long-term complications