COVID-19 Vaccine Reactogenicity and Vaccine Attitudes Among Children and Parents/Guardians After Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or COVID-19 Hospitalization: September 2021-May 2022

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2023 Mar 1;42(3):252-259. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003803. Epub 2022 Dec 21.

Abstract

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a multiorgan hyperinflammatory condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and vaccine attitudes in children with prior MIS-C are limited. We described characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine adverse events and vaccine attitudes in children with a history of MIS-C or COVID-19 and their parents/guardians.

Methods: We enrolled children previously hospitalized for MIS-C or COVID-19 from 3 academic institutions. We abstracted charts and interviewed children and parents/guardians regarding vaccine adverse events and acceptability.

Results: Of 163 vaccine-eligible children enrolled with a history of MIS-C and 70 with history of COVID-19, 51 (31%) and 34 (49%), respectively, received mRNA COVID-19 vaccine a median of 10 (Interquartile Range 6-13) months after hospital discharge. Among 20 children with MIS-C and parents/guardians who provided interviews, local injection site reaction of brief duration (mean 1.8 days) was most commonly reported; no children required medical care within 2 weeks postvaccination. Vaccine survey results of interviewed, vaccinated children and their parents/guardians: of 20 children with MIS-C and 15 children with COVID-19, 17 (85%) and 13 (87%), respectively, listed doctors in the top 3 most trusted sources for vaccine information; 13 (65%) and 9 (60%) discussed vaccination with their doctor.

Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination was well tolerated in children with prior MIS-C or COVID-19 participating in our investigation. Parents/guardians regarded their children's doctors as a trusted source of information for COVID-19 vaccines, and most vaccinated children's parents/guardians had discussed COVID-19 vaccination for their child with their doctor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Parents
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Vaccines

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related