COVID-19 in Pediatric Populations

Since the outset of the pandemic in March 2020, remarkable strides have been made in understanding the viral pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, the pathomechanism of acute COVID-19 and postacute complications, and strategies to prevent severe disease. The eradication of SARSCoV-2 is unlikely, and we should expect the virus to continue to circulate through communities in fluctuations. Plus, viral variants will continue to occur, challenging our immunogenicity. Importantly, while most children gain immunity against SARS-CoV-2 through either natural infection or vaccination, millions of new, naive infants are born annually. Vaccination will remain a key tool for protecting against rare, yet severe disease, especially in younger children. Many questions remain, and future research is needed to optimally protect children from severe acute and post-acute complications of COVID-19.