A population-based paediatric Covid-19 vaccination progress and outcomes: The Malta case

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Pediatric Vaccinology

Background:

• COVID-19 remains a global pandemic, with childhood vaccination crucial for pandemic control.
• This study examines Malta's national pediatric vaccination strategy, uptake, and epidemiological trends.
• Geographical social inequalities in vaccination among children under 15 were explored up to August 2022.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze Malta's pediatric COVID-19 vaccination program.
• To assess vaccination uptake and epidemiological trends in children.
• To identify geographical disparities in pediatric vaccination coverage.

Main Methods:

• Data on vaccination doses by age and district were obtained from Malta's Vaccination Coordination Unit.
• Descriptive statistics and multivariant logistic regression analyses were employed.
• Anonymized data were used to ensure patient privacy.

Main Results:

• By mid-August 2022, 44.18% of children under 15 received at least one vaccine dose.
• A bidirectional relationship existed between vaccination rates and reported COVID-19 cases until early 2022.
• Full vaccination uptake was highest in the Southern Harbour district (46.66%) and lowest in Gozo (27.23%).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric vaccination success depends on accessibility, vaccine effectiveness, and population characteristics.
• Geographical social inequalities can significantly hinder vaccination uptake.
• Targeted interventions may be needed to address disparities in pediatric vaccination coverage.