COVID Vaccines in Adolescents and Young Adults

Worldwide, a number of COVID-19 vaccines have been approved or granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or Emergency Use Listing for adolescents and young adults (AYA), which has brought hope to many across the globe. Extension of the EUA for a COVID-19 vaccine to children and adolescents aged 5 through 15 years is exciting news for children, adolescents, parents, and providers of AYA. Many countries around the globe have extended immunization against COVID-19 to younger age groups. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease globally in administration of other adolescent vaccines. This highlights that vaccine recommendations do not necessarily lead to successful and equitable vaccine distribution, and overcoming barriers to vaccination is critical. Certain subpopulations of AYA, particularly those who are marginalized/underrepresented, do not receive appropriate health care. AYA should be offered protection against all vaccine-preventable illnesses at every opportunity. Creating innovative strategies to improve vaccine uptake among AYA should be encouraged.