Report: COVID-19 hospitalizations surged in children under 5 during omicron

Weekly COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates among U.S. infants and children under age 5 have declined since peaking Jan. 8, but peak rates during omicron predominance were about five times those during delta predominance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today. During omicron predominance, 63% of hospitalized infants and children had no underlying medical conditions. Infants under six months old accounted for 44% of hospitalizations. Strategies to prevent COVID-19 among infants and young children include vaccinating eligible pregnant women, family members and caregivers, the report notes.