Are children getting sick from COVID-19? A new study aims to find out

OTTAWA —The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) has launched a study to learn how many children are becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

The study, which collects weekly data from 2800 paediatricians across the country, will report “real-time” data to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Participants in the CPSP are asked to report cases of COVID-19 among children (under 18 years old) requiring hospitalization, and all cases of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized children with underlying medical conditions.

“Little is known about how COVID-19 affects children, especially those with serious, pre-existing medical conditions, said Dr. Charlotte Moore Hepburn, Medical Director of the Canadian Paediatric Society. “This study will provide essential, time-sensitive information about which children are at greatest risk of serious complications and who may benefit most from novel therapies and possible prevention efforts. This critically important data will help us rapidly adjust best practices for paediatric care.”
This is the largest paediatric public health surveillance study focused on COVID-19 in Canada.  Investigators are working with international colleagues to compare data across multiple countries.

The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program is a joint project of the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Public Health Agency of Canada that collects data from across the country on rare conditions among children and youth.
 

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About the Canadian Paediatric Society

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national advocacy association that promotes the health needs of children and youth. Founded in 1922, the CPS represents more than 3,300 paediatricians, paediatric subspecialists and other child health professionals across Canada.