Contrary to assumptions that the Omicron variant causes milder symptoms, a new large-scale study finds that the Omicron COVID variant is as severe as previous variants after accounting for vaccination status and medical risk factors. The study linked Massachusetts’ state-level vaccination data with quality-controlled electronic health records from a large healthcare system, including 13 hospitals in the state. Findings highlight the efficacy of vaccines in protecting people from severe COVID.

A study conducted from late July to mid December 2021 found that school districts with universal masking were less likely to experience COVID-19 spreading in their schools when compared to school districts with optional masking. After accounting for school size, masked schools saw up to 87% less transmission.

This brief describes test-to-stay strategies implemented in North Carolina, Illinois, and Massachusetts and provides practical guidance on implementing these programs as part of a layered COVID-19 mitigation approach in k-12 schools. Preliminary evidence collected during the Delta wave shows test-to-stay can increase in-person attendance, minimize school-related disruption, increase access to testing, and address concerns regarding safety with in-person instruction.

This free, two-hour online class from Johns Hopkins University provides training that parents of school-age children, teachers, and school staff can use to help them discuss concerns parents and guardians might have about COVID-19 vaccines. The class supports parents in making evidence-based decisions about vaccinating their children.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looking at two different data sources found that children and teens who have had COVID-19 are about two times more likely to be at risk of being newly diagnosed with diabetes—including type 1, type 2, and other types of diabetes—than those who never tested positive for the virus.

This FAQ addresses common questions that parents may have about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children. It explains how mRNA vaccines (such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) work and the research that explains why vaccines are now considered safe for young children.

This 12-page report includes examples of successful school-located vaccination clinics as well as resources for schools to host their own.

This research summary of 11 studies reveals that early learning programs are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection when providers follow proper mitigation measures.