A survey of state and local practices encouraging pediatric COVID-19 vaccination of children ages 6 months through 11 years

Vaccine. 2024 Sep 17:42 Suppl 3:125837. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.064. Epub 2024 Apr 9.

Abstract

Objective: This report highlights state and local practices for optimizing the pediatric COVID-19 vaccination program for children ages 6 months through 11 years.

Methods: State and local practices designed to optimize pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake were identified from a range of sources, including immunization program, CDC, and partner staff; and media stories or program descriptions identified via online searches.

Results: A range of practices were identified across different categories: provider-focused practices, school-based practices, jurisdiction or health department-based activities, community-focused practices involving partners, use of vaccination incentives, and Medicaid-related practices.

Conclusions: Immunization programs and stakeholders implemented a variety of practices to meet the challenge of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccination program. The key findings may serve to inform not only the current pediatric COVID-19 vaccination program, but also future outbreak response work and routine immunization activities.

Keywords: Immunization; Immunization program; Pediatric COVID-19; Vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs*
  • Infant
  • SARS-CoV-2* / immunology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Vaccination* / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines