Key Points

• Among the 0-17 age group, SARS-CoV-2 circulation is declining. In week 2022-S33, the highest incidence rate was observed among 15-17-year-olds (115 per 100,000). This incidence rate was lower than that observed among adults.

• As of August 22, 2022, vaccination coverage is high among 12- to 17-year-olds (80.9% had received their full primary vaccination series and 17.6% had received a booster) and remains low among 5- to 9-year-olds and 10- to 11-year-olds (2.7% and 8.2%, respectively, with a full primary vaccination series).

• The number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 has been declining sharply since week 2022-S28.

• Data from the PICURe network do not show any change in the severity of hospitalized cases. The proportion of children with comorbidities among those admitted for COVID-19 to critical care units has been higher since the Omicron variant was circulating than it was during the Delta variant period.

• As of August 21, 2022, and since the start of the epidemic, 1,070 cases of PIMS (pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome secondary to COVID-19) have been reported. These cases primarily affect children aged 3 to 11 years. 29% of the observed cases have been reported since week 2021-S46 (the start of the fifth wave). The rate of hospitalization in critical care units was 71% prior to the fifth wave and 60% since the start of this wave.