For Parents

[Updated September 2021]

The COMPASS Study enrolled children two months and older. Children could participate with their parent or legal guardian present in order to give consent. There were no drugs given as part of this study.

Study procedures included:

  • Parental/Guardian Consent and the assent of the child if they were older than 17
  • Questionnaire – A guardian had to fill out the study questionnaire if the child was nine years old or younger
  • Nasal Swab – Nasal swabs were self-collected for older children. Study staff or parents assisted for younger children
  • Blood draw – Children ages two months to two years old received a heel stick. Children older than two received a small intravenous (traditional) blood draw – approximately 6mL (~1 teaspoon) for children ages two to six and about 10mL (~2 teaspoons) for children older than six years old

Why did the COMPASS Study Include Children?

While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can:

  • contract the virus that causes COVID-19
  • get sick from COVID-19
  • have no symptoms and unknowingly spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19. They may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe.

Children with the following medical conditions may be at increased risk of severe illness compared to other children:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Heart disease
  • Weakened immune system
  • Multiple chronic conditions
  • Obesity

Children under one year old may be more likely to have a severe illness from COVID-19.

Transmission in Daycares and Schools

Increased community spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may lead to poor health outcomes for students, staff, and teachers.

Where did children participate in the COMPASS Study?

Children participated at venues in communities where study staff members were set up. This could have been a storefront, parking lot, or other public area. The staff ensured all sanitation protocols were put in place and that testing was hygienic and safe for children.

 

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