COVID-19 vaccination rates for children in North Carolina are still low, despite the surge in cases driven by omicron. Statewide, 24% of children ages 5-11 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In Forsyth County, that number is slightly higher at 25%. Just 18% of the age group is considered fully vaccinated. Dr. Kimberly Montez, a pediatrician with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, says some parents are hesitant because they think younger children are less susceptible to severe illness.