Pediatric COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi: A Brief Report on Unique Hospitalization Characteristics.

This study focuses on pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations in Hawaiʻi, specifically examining the characteristics, disease severity, and vaccination status of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) children. The retrospective analysis of 304 patients hospitalized between April 2020 and June 2023 found that NHPI children, males, and those with government insurance were disproportionately represented among hospitalized cases compared to Hawaiʻi’s general pediatric population. The study also noted that pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations in Hawaiʻi peaked later than in the continental United States, likely influenced by the state’s early lockdown and geographic isolation. COVID-19 vaccination rates were low among hospitalized children, with no statistically significant association between vaccination status and illness severity, though trends suggested less severe illness in vaccinated children aged 5 to 15 years. The findings highlight disparities in hospitalization risk and underscore the need for targeted public health strategies to improve vaccine access and address social determinants of health in vulnerable pediatric populations in Hawaiʻi.