Pediatric Emergency Department Visits Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, January 2019-January 2022

What is already known about this topic? Health seeking behavior has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. What is added by this report? Compared with 2019, overall pediatric emergency department visits decreased by 51%, 22%, and 23% during 2020, 2021, and January 2022, respectively. COVID-19 visits predominated across all pediatric ages; visits for other respiratory illnesses mostly declined. Number and proportion of visits increased for certain injuries (e.g., firearm injuries, self-harm, and drug poisonings), some chronic diseases, and behavioral health concerns, with variations by age group. What are the implications for public health practice? Health care providers and families should remain vigilant for potential indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health conditions resulting from delayed care, and increasing emotional distress and behavioral health concerns among children and adolescents.