CHA Comments on Omicron and FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Booster for Adolescents

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With the surge in COVID-19 cases, it's imperative we continue to protect children, especially those who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. The Omicron variant is the dominant variant in the U.S. and is highly transmissible.

According to the latest weekly report on children and COVID-19 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Association, COVID-19 cases among U.S. children reached the highest case count ever reported since the start of the pandemic. While it does appear that in most instances the severity of COVID-19 still remains low, the large number of new infections is causing a corresponding increase in the number of pediatric COVID hospitalizations.

We all must do our part to protect children by handwashing, distancing, masking, getting vaccinated and encouraging our community to do so too. The FDA's emergency use authorization of a Pfizer-BioNTech booster in adolescents 12 to 15 years old is a positive step forward in protecting youth against COVID-19. Keeping kids healthy and learning in school instead of isolated at home is in all of our best interest.

The health and safety of our nation's youth continues to be our number one priority as children's hospitals work tirelessly to provide them with essential care.