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. 2022 Jan;84(1):31-39.
doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.11.005. Epub 2021 Nov 14.

Immunocompromised children and young people are at no increased risk of severe COVID-19

H Chappell  1 , R Patel  2 , C Driessens  3 , A W Tarr  4 , W L Irving  4 , P J Tighe  5 , H J Jackson  6 , T Harvey-Cowlishaw  6 , L Mills  1 , M Shaunak  1 , D Gbesemete  7 , A Leahy  8 , J S Lucas  9 , S N Faust  9 , H de Graaf  10
Affiliations

Immunocompromised children and young people are at no increased risk of severe COVID-19

H Chappell et al. J Infect. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to prospectively describe the incidence and clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised paediatric patients in the UK.

Methods: From March 2020 to 2021 weekly questionnaires were sent to immunocompromised paediatric patients or their parents. Information, including symptom presentation and SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results, was collected from 1527 participants from 46 hospitals. Cross-sectional serology was investigated in February and March 2021.

Results: Until the end of September 2020, no cases were reported. From September 28th 2020 to March 2021 a total of 38 PCR-detected SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported. Of these, four children were admitted to hospital but none had acute severe COVID-19. Increasing age in association with immunodeficiency increased reporting of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Worsening of fever, cough, and sore throat were associated with participants reporting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serology data included 452 unvaccinated participants. In those reporting prior positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR, there were detectable antibodies in 9 of 18 (50%). In those with no prior report of infection, antibodies were detected in 32 of 434 (7•4%).

Conclusions: This study shows SARS-CoV-2 infections have occurred in immunocompromised children and young people with no increased risk of severe disease. No children died.

Keywords: COVID-19; Children; Immunocompromised; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have completed ICMJE disclosure forms. HdG received grant funding from the BPAIIG for the submitted work; there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Weekly participant numbers and weekly questionnaire response rate (16th March 2020–14th March 2021).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Number of participant SARS-CoV-2 infections by week (16th March 2020–14th March 2021).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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