In a new federal report published on Thursday, it was revealed that children who are unvaccinated or have waning immunity from previous COVID-19 vaccinations are at the highest risk of developing multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This rare but serious condition, which can cause inflammation in various body parts, has been seen in children after they have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The report, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), analyzed cases of MIS-C in 2023 and compared them to cases that occurred earlier in the pandemic. While the incidence of MIS-C has dropped significantly since its peak in late 2020 to early 2021, cases continue to occur, especially during the fall of 2023 when COVID-19 activity reached its highest point in the United States.

A total of 117 cases of MIS-C were reported in 2023, with 26% of them occurring between August and October. However, the authors of the report believe that this number could be an underestimate due to reporting lags. The median age of MIS-C patients in 2023 was seven, younger than the median age from February 2020 to January 2022, which was five.

Of the 117 patients, 58% had no previous underlying conditions, consistent with previous data from the CDC. When children did have pre-existing conditions, obesity was the most common at 27.4%, followed by chronic lung disease, neurological conditions, and cardiac conditions.

The report also highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing MIS-C. Shockingly, out of the 117 patients, a staggering 82.1% were unvaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, among the 20 patients who were vaccinated, 60% were more than 12 months out from their last dose, suggesting waning immunity. Only five children with MIS-C had received three or more doses of the vaccine.

"It highlights the fact that vaccination still represents our critical tool to reducing any significant risk of complications from COVID in our pediatric population," said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital. However, he also noted that as the pandemic evolves, vaccination may become less of a priority for families, leading to an increase in MIS-C cases among unvaccinated children.

The findings of this report serve as a reminder that although COVID-19 may seem less risky for children, the potential for severe complications such as MIS-C should not be underestimated. Vaccination remains crucial in protecting children and reducing the risk of developing this rare condition.

As the pandemic continues, health experts urge parents to prioritize their children's vaccination to safeguard their health and well-being, emphasizing that MIS-C is one of the critical features of COVID-19 that should not be taken lightly.