New study into effects COVID-19 has on children

A NEW study will look at the effects of COVID-19 on the immune systems of children to see if some kids are more vulnerable than others.

Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) will today announce a look into the differences in kids’ immune systems to see if this contributes to their vulnerability and even how long their immunity to COVID-19 lasts.

The Australian-first insight will analyse data from 2000 children and compare them to a cohort of adults, as well as examining viral transmission within households.

It will see families use an online tracker to document any symptoms of the disease each week, and may include testing for COVID-19, antibody analysis and psychological wellbeing surveys.

Those involved in the study are already part of the MCRI’s database, meaning there is extensive information about each child’s immunity.

Associate Professor Kirsten Perrett, the study’s co-leader, said it was important to better understand the lasting effects of the virus.

“We also plan to answer the nagging question of how long children and adults stay immune to SARS-CoV-2 and look at the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic — on things like health, life changes, behaviour and emotions in children and their families,” Prof Perrett said.

The landmark study has been made possible by a grant from mining giant Rio Tinto, which donated $670,000 towards the effort.