Good morning! Today, we take a look at the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on child health, as well as how income gaps affect pediatric vaccination rates.

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Significant disparities exist in vaccination rates among different income groups, with only 62.3% of low-income children receiving all early childhood vaccines, compared with 77.9% of high-income children. A Commonwealth Fund report highlights logistical barriers, such as transportation and scheduling issues, contributing to these disparities.

A study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found Pfizer's RSV vaccine RSVpreF was 92% effective among adults ages 60 and older, including those with severe disease and underlying conditions. The CDC recommends the vaccine for adults 75 and older and those 50 to 74 at increased risk. "Reassuringly, our study similarly found a VE (vaccine effectiveness) of 90% against critical outcomes (i.e., ICU admission or mechanical ventilation), similar to the VISION study's results: 81% VE against RSV-related critical illness (i.e., ICU admission or in-hospital death)," researchers wrote.

The US received a D+ for its 10.4% preterm birth rate for the fourth consecutive year, according to a March of Dimes report. The report highlighted significant disparities, with a 9.5% preterm birth rate for babies born to white mothers, compared with 14.7% for babies born to Black mothers. Data showed improved preterm birth rate percentages in 19 states, while the numbers worsened in 21 states, according to the CDC.

Taking Qulipta, or atogepant, and Topamax, or topiramate, together is safe for migraine patients if monitored by a physician, according to researchers. Studies have found no heightened side effects from the combination, though Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills and contribute to cognitive issues.

Having a root canal treatment may significantly lower blood sugar levels, according to a study by investigators at King's College London. The research, which followed 65 patients for two years, found that those who underwent root canal treatment experienced notable improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol and fatty acid levels, as well as reduced inflammation. The findings highlight the importance of oral health in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

A study in The Lancet Child Adolescent Health found a higher risk of vascular and inflammatory issues among children for up to a year or more after a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Researchers said arterial and venous thromboembolism, thrombocytopenia, myocarditis and pericarditis risks were highest in the first week after diagnosis, but some elevated risks persisted beyond 12 months. "Although these conditions were rare, children and young people were more likely to experience heart, vascular or inflammatory problems after a [SARS-CoV-2] infection than after having the vaccine -- and the risks after infection lasted much longer," study author Alexia Sampri said.

A study from the Netherlands found that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth and low Apgar scores in newborns. The study, which analyzed data from more than 322,000 pregnant women, also highlights disparities in COVID-19 testing among ethnic and socioeconomic groups.