COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness in Children Aged 6 Months-5 Years: New Findings from the Vision Network

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases have published new data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in children aged 6 months-5 years. The study, conducted within the Vision Network, evaluated the vaccine effectiveness (VE) against emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC) encounters among children with COVID-19-like illness during a period of July 4, 2022-June 17, 2023. The research found that the VE of 2 monovalent Moderna doses against ED/UC encounters was 29% (95% CI = 12%-42%) among children aged 6 months-5 years, with a median of 100 days after dose 2. Similarly, the VE of 3 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech doses was 43% (95% CI = 17%-61%) among children aged 6 months-4 years. The effectiveness of at least one bivalent dose, compared to unvaccinated children, was 80% (95% CI = 42%-96%) among children aged 6 months-5 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The effectiveness of 2 monovalent Moderna doses against emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC) encounters was 29% (95% CI = 12%-42%) among children aged 6 months-5 years.
  • The effectiveness of 3 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech doses against ED/UC encounters was 43% (95% CI = 17%-61%) among children aged 6 months-4 years.
  • The effectiveness of at least one bivalent dose, compared to unvaccinated children, was 80% (95% CI = 42%-96%) among children aged 6 months-5 years.
  • The study found that among children with COVID-19-like illness who received molecular testing during September 19, 2022-June 17, 2023, the VE of 3 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech doses was 43% (95% CI = 17%-61%) =14 days after dose 3.
  • The median time to reach peak immunity was 100 days after dose 2 for Moderna doses and 75 days after dose 3 for Pfizer-BioNTech doses.
  • Children should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including initiation of COVID-19 vaccination immediately when they are eligible.

Statistics:

  • 29% VE (95% CI = 12%-42%) among children aged 6 months-5 years for 2 monovalent Moderna doses.
  • 43% VE (95% CI = 17%-61%) among children aged 6 months-4 years for 3 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech doses.
  • 80% VE (95% CI = 42%-96%) among children aged 6 months-5 years for at least one bivalent dose.
  • 100 days (IQR = 63-155 days) after dose 2 for Moderna doses.
  • 75 days (IQR = 40-139 days) after dose 3 for Pfizer-BioNTech doses.
  • 58 days (IQR = 32-83 days) after dose for at least one bivalent dose.

Sources:

  • Effectiveness of Monovalent and Bivalent Mrna Vaccines In Preventing Covid-19-associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters Among Children Aged 6 Months-5 Years-vision Network, United States, July 2022-june 2023. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2023;72(33):886-892.
  • National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.