How Effective Are Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Children and Teens?

Compared with monovalent — or no — vaccine, bivalent mRNA vaccine was 49.4% effective at preventing COVID-19 in three merged U.S. cohort studies.

In autumn of 2022, the bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was recommended for children and adolescents. Using data from three cohort studies, Feldstein and colleagues evaluated the effectiveness of bivalent compared to monovalent or no vaccine in U.S. children aged 5–17 years. In addition to information about sociodemographic status, COVID-19 vaccination, and SARS-CoV-2 infection, participants provided weekly nasal swabs regardless of symptoms and completed questionnaires about symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

Among 2959 participants (median age, 10.6 years; 48% female, 65% non-Hispanic white), 25% had received a bivalent vaccine and 62% were known to be previously infected. Of 426 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, 43% were symptomatic. Effecti…

Reviewing Author

Hana M. El Sahly, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Hana M. El Sahly, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

How Effective Are Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Children and Teens?

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Reviewing Author