Children with tracheostomy and HV are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from viral ARIs. Among MyTRaCh enrollees, we found significant discrepancy between influenza and COVID-19 vaccination status.

Compared with immunization status overall among US children aged younger than 18 years, our cohort had higher adherence to influenza vaccination (75% vs 50%), similar rates of initial COVID-19 vaccination (53% vs 50%), and much lower rates of receiving a COVID-19 booster (23% vs 50%).

MyTRaCh families have successfully integrated complex technology support (eg, tracheostomy tubes, home ventilators, gastrostomy tubes, time-consuming medical care regimens) into their lives and understand their children’s vulnerabilities.

Their engagement with tertiary care centers (ie, HV programs), primary care, and home care nursing suggests that opportunities for screening, education, and access were not barriers to vaccination.

Unfortunately, the low vaccination rates in this study population suggest that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is apparent for adults making decisions for this very high-risk group of children.

Read More