Vaccinated children are much less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated children, according to recent research. While pediatric COVID-19 cases are generally mild, the study on post-COVID condition (PCC) supports continued immunization efforts.
The study examined children aged 5 to 17 across four states from July 2021 through May 2023. Findings indicated that those vaccinated prior to infection had a 57% lower chance of developing PCC symptoms. Vaccines may not always prevent infection, but they help the body mount a defense, preventing severe illness.
Though adults are more likely to experience long COVID, pediatric PCC affects between 1% and 3% of children infected with the virus. Researchers noted that while a minority of children developed long COVID, most vaccinated children fared well, reinforcing the importance of vaccination.
Out of 622 children who tested positive for COVID-19 during the study, 28 (5%) reported PCC symptoms, while 594 (95%) did not. PCC is characterized by symptoms lasting four or more weeks after infection, including respiratory issues, fatigue, weakness, difficulty exercising, energy level changes, mood disturbances, and sleep disruptions. In rare cases, serious conditions like pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, kidney failure, and type 1 diabetes can occur.
Among the children with PCC, 57% had been vaccinated. Vaccinated children exhibited a 73% reduced likelihood of experiencing two or more PCC symptoms and a 72% reduction in respiratory symptoms.
Vaccination’s protective effects against PCC may be even stronger than reported, as the study only considered children who had already been infected. The impact of vaccination in preventing initial infections was not factored into these estimates.
Generally, 10% to 30% of children hospitalized for COVID-19 experience severe illness. Of the 28 children in the study with long COVID, 21 had more than one symptom. Respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, and coughing, were the most concerning, affecting 19 children. Other symptoms included fever, weight changes, rashes, and chest pain, impacting daily activities like school attendance and sports participation.
While PCC can still occur after vaccination, immunization significantly reduces both the risk of developing PCC and the likelihood of experiencing multiple symptoms.
Experts note that this research reinforces previous data showing that vaccination reduces the risk of developing COVID symptoms in both adults and children. Ongoing studies continue to examine the duration of persistent symptoms in pediatric long COVID cases.
Although most children in the U.S. have been exposed to COVID-19 at some point, vaccination remains essential. The virus continues to mutate, much like influenza, necessitating updated vaccines to provide optimal protection. For children at higher risk of severe illness, maintaining strong immunity through vaccination is particularly important.
Despite these benefits, only 12% of U.S. children have received the updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025, roughly half the rate of adults. Many parents perceive the current Omicron variants as less severe, reducing their urgency to vaccinate. Concerns over rare side effects, such as endocarditis, also contribute to hesitancy.
However, vaccination remains a key tool in preventing long COVID and reducing its impact on children’s health and daily lives. Keeping immunizations up to date ensures better protection, especially as the virus continues to evolve.
