COVID-19 vaccine inquiries regarding children ages 5–11 years received by NIP-INFO

Abstract

We describe COVID-19 immunization inquiries regarding children age 5–11 years received by NIP-INFO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) e-mail immunization inquiry service for health care professionals, at the launch of vaccination efforts for this age group, using descriptive qualitative analysis. From November 2 through November 30, 2021, NIP-INFO responded to 154 questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination for 5–11-year-old children. The most common questions related to formulation and dosage (39.6%), vaccination schedule (14.3%), CDC's educational materials for health care professionals (9.1%), and vaccine safety (8.4%); 16.2% of questions across all inquiry categories related to a vaccination error. We discuss CDC guidance related to the most common inquiries to inform further pediatric COVID-19 vaccination efforts, including future vaccination of younger pediatric age groups, which will be important to help to curb this pandemic.