Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased Hospitalization Rates: During the Omicron variant predominance, infants and children aged 0–4 years were hospitalized at approximately five times the rate compared to the Delta variant peak.
2. Highest Risk Group: Infants aged <6 months had the highest rates of hospitalization during the Omicron period.
3. Severity Indicators: Indicators of severity, such as the need for respiratory support, did not differ significantly by age group.
4. Preventive Strategies: Vaccination of eligible populations, including pregnant women, family members, and caregivers, is crucial to prevent COVID-19 among infants and young children.
5. RSV Codetections: The proportion of patients with RSV codetections was higher during the Delta predominance than Omicron predominance.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kristin J. Marks, KJMarks@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Marks KJ, Whitaker M, Agathis NT, et al. Hospitalization of Infants and Children Aged 0–4 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 — COVID-NET, 14 States, March 2020–February 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:429–436. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7111e2

Summary

This report analyzes COVID-19–associated hospitalizations among U.S. infants and children aged 0–4 years from March 2020 to February 2022. During the Omicron variant predominance, hospitalization rates for this age group peaked significantly higher than during the Delta variant period. Infants aged <6 months were particularly affected, although severity indicators did not vary by age. Preventive strategies emphasize vaccination of eligible populations to protect infants and young children.

Methods

COVID-NET conducted population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19–associated hospitalizations across 14 U.S. states. Hospitalization rates were calculated per 100,000 infants and children aged 0–4 years. Data on symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and severity indicators were collected and analyzed using statistical methods to compare different variant predominance periods.

Discussion

The analysis revealed that hospitalization rates during Omicron predominance were significantly higher than during Delta predominance. Despite the higher hospitalization rates, the severity of illness did not differ significantly by age group. The findings underscore the importance of vaccinating eligible populations to prevent COVID-19 in infants and young children.

Conclusion

COVID-19–associated hospitalization rates among infants and children aged 0–4 years peaked during Omicron predominance. Vaccination of pregnant women, family members, and caregivers is crucial to protect this age group, which is not yet eligible for vaccination. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection among infants.

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