Influenza, MenACWY, HPV and COVID-19 vaccines in children: uptake, safety and effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Research question: Influenza, MenACWY, HPV and COVID-19 vaccines in children: uptake, safety and effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of children globally with major health, social and educational consequences. During the pandemic, fewer children received routine childhood vaccines, which might result in the resurgence of some infectious diseases which have so far been controlled by vaccines. Whilst clinical trials and other studies have shown COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective in children, less is known on how safe and effective these vaccines are when administrated together with other common childhood vaccines, such as vaccines against influenza, meningitis and septicaemia (MenACWY) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Aims: (1) We will assess the uptake of childhood vaccines (Influenza, MenACWY, HPV) administered alone or in concomitance with a COVID-19 vaccine and (2) the safety of influenza, MenACWY and HPV vaccination compared to safety of COVID-19 vaccination in children. (3) We will also assess the safety and effectiveness of concomitant administration of COVID-19 and Influenza, MenACWY or HPV vaccine. Methods: We will use electronic health records from the QResearch Primary Care database and linked to SGSS (SARS-CoV-2 testing data), Civil Registration Data, hospital episode statistics (HES) and National Immunisation Database (NIMS) which includes vaccine type, date and dose. We will undertake cohort studies to assess vaccine uptake and effectiveness and self-controlled case series methodology to assess vaccine safety. Timelines for delivery: The project duration is 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024. The timelines for delivery of results for each of the aims are February 2024 for of delivery aim 1, May 2024 for aim 2 and June/July 2024 for aim 3. Anticipated Impact and Dissemination: We will disseminate the results of the study through publications and more widely accessible formats such as infographics and videos. This work will inform clinicians, parents and young people on the safety of vaccinations for children and the risk of severe disease. It will also inform policy makers such as Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and medicines regulators such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. We aim to help reduce health disparities through targeted vaccination campaigns.