Analysis of data confirms that Covid in Children presents a very low risk of severe illness or death.
During the first 12 months of the pandemic, only 25 people under the age of 18 died from Covid in England. Those with neuro disability or chronic illness were at higher risk, although overall risk remained low.
The UK’s vaccine advisory group are now considering the conclusions from the data. Currently, Covid vaccines are not offered to anyone under the age of 18, even if they have an underlying health condition.
Scientists from University College London, and the Universities of York, Bristol and Liverpool looked through England’s public health data to complete their studies of children. They found the majority of young people dying of Covid-19 suffered from other conditions.
About 15 of those who died had life limiting or underlying health conditions. Six of them had no recorded conditions in the last five years, but illnesses may have been missed. Another 36 had confirmed Covid cases at time of death, but died from other causes. Children and young people dying were more likely over 10 years old and of Black and Asian ethnicity.
The overall mortality rate of children is estimated at 2 per million.
‘Hospital stays rare’
A separate study looked at emergency hospital admissions of children and young people with Covid in England up to February 2021. A total of 5,800 children were admitted with the virus, with around 250 needing intensive care. 690 of the children admitted to hospital had a rare inflammatory condition linked to Covid. Those most at risk were children with multiple health conditions, the obese, and youngsters with heart and neurological illnesses.
Decisions regarding shielding and vaccinations for children are complex and require input from a number of sources. But research suggests if vaccines are adequate, certain groups of children could benefit from receiving Covid jabs. Even though overall risk among children is low, those who are vulnerable are at a higher risk than the general population. When making a decision, we should consider data from other countries.
It is encouraging to see very few seriously unwell children in hospital, and hope that it reassures young people and their families.
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