The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Childhood Immunizations: Ways to Strengthen Routine Vaccination

Abstract

Primary care providers play key roles in ensuring that children and the community receive vaccines on time. Sometimes, this role includes the task of reassuring parents who are vaccine hesitant that vaccines are safe and effective. Now, because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), providers are presented with the additional challenge of maintaining and strengthening routine vaccination during a pandemic. As COVID-19 cases increased and states implemented stay-at-home orders, outpatient visits declined significantly. As a result, childhood immunization rates also declined. Increasing communication efforts regarding the importance of vaccination will be worthwhile, as the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the threat of an infectious disease and has increased awareness of the vaccine development process. Prior to 2020, many parents had not seen the devastating consequences of an infectious disease. The pandemic may change a parent's perspective, particularly as it relates to the influenza vaccine. Providers should continue to promote the importance of well-child and vaccination visits. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(12):e516-e522.].