Lower respiratory tract infection hospitalisations in 0–4 year olds returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2021

Posted 17 months ago by Kirsty Craig Less than a minute to read

We have published the latest results from our Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) factsheet.

Here are the main findings:

  • The number of LRTI hospitalisations in 0–4 year olds returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2021.
  • The winter LRTI hospitalisation peak was higher than usual in 2021.
  • Pacific children had nearly twice the rate of LRTI hospitalisation as European/Other children in 2021.
  • Children living in the most deprived areas (NZDep2018 quintile 5) had twice the rate of LRTI hospitalisation as children living in the least deprived areas (quintile 1).
  • Children living in urban areas had higher rates of LRTI hospitalisation than children in rural areas.

Read the full factsheet here: LRTI hospitalisations in children aged 0–4 years