letter to editor: a concern that persists after the pandemic: the importance of getting a booster dose of the covid-19 vaccine for children

Although the acute phase of the pandemic has subsided, coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) continues to circulate, with new variants emerging periodically. children, initially thought to be less susceptible to severe outcomes, are not immune to the virus’s effects. data from the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) indicates that pediatric hospitalizations due to covid-19 have occurred across all age groups, particularly during variant-driven surges. moreover, long covid—persistent symptoms following infection—has been documented in children, affecting their quality of life and development .parents are encouraged to consult pediatricians to determine the appropriate schedule for their child, considering factors like prior infection, health status, and local transmission rates. ensuring high booster uptake among children has far-reaching implications. schools remain safe environments when vaccination rates are high, reducing absenteeism and supporting educational outcomes. additionally, protecting children contributes to global efforts to control covid-19, preventing the emergence of new variants that could prolong the pandemic. governments and health organizations must prioritize equitable access to boosters, particularly in low-resource settings where vaccine distribution remains a challenge. community outreach, mobile vaccination clinics, and school-based programs can enhance uptake and address disparities.