Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2022 Apr;29(1):37-45. 10.14776/piv.2022.29.e6.

Delphi Survey for COVID-19 Vaccination in Korean Children Between 5 and 11 Years Old

• Choe YJ
• Lee YH
• Choi JH

• KMID: 2529862
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2022.29.e6

Abstract

Purpose
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we conducted a Delphi survey that included the experts from the field of COVID-19 immunization in children aged 5–11 years. The aim was to organize collective expert opinions on COVID-19 vaccination in young children in the Republic of Korea, and so thus assist the vaccination policy.
Methods
The panels included pediatric infectious disease specialists, preventive medicine experts, infectious disease physicians, and COVID-19 vaccine experts consulting the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Delphi survey was conducted online using a questionnaire from February 14 to February 27, 2022.
Results
The Delphi panels agreed that children were vulnerable to COVID-19, and the severity of illness was modest. Furthermore the panels reported that children with chronic illness were more susceptible to a worsening clinical course. There were generally positive opinions on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5–11 years, and experts gathered a slightly positive opinion that the adverse events of pediatric COVID-19 were not numerous. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination were evaluated at a level similar to the potential risks in children.Currently, the only approved mRNA platform vaccine in children seemed to be sustainable; however, the recombinant protein platform COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated as better options.
Conclusions
Due to the surge of the Omicron variant and an increase in pediatric cases, the COVID-19 vaccination in young children may have to be considered. Panels had neutral opinions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5–11 years. Thus monitoring of the epidemiology and the data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination should be continued.

Keyword

COVID-19; Vaccine; Children; Delphi technique