Should children get COVID vaccines? What the science says

At a time when much of the world is still struggling to access COVID-19 vaccines, the question of whether to vaccinate children can feel like a privilege. On 19 July, vaccine advisers in the United Kingdom recommended delaying vaccines for most young people under 16, citing the very low rates of serious disease in this age group. But several countries, including the United States and Israel, have forged ahead, and others are hoping to follow suit when supplies allow. Nature looks at where the evidence stands on children and COVID-19 vaccines.

Automated summary

As much of the world struggles to access COVID-19 vaccines, there is a debate on whether to vaccinate children. While the UK has recommended delaying vaccines for most young people under 16, countries like the US and Israel have started vaccinating children, with others hoping to follow suit. Nature examines the evidence on children and COVID-19 vaccines.