Note: The risk of bias by domain corresponds to the highest risk of bias among outcomes by domain.
The overall risk of bias corresponds to the overall highest risk of bias assessed among outcomes.
Bias | Author's judgement | Support for judgement |
Randomization |
Low |
"Quote: ""Children were randomly assigned with the use of a centralized interactive response technology system, in a 3:1 ratio.â€
Comment: Allocation sequence random. Allocation sequence concealed. Imbalances in baseline characteristics appear to be compatible with chance." |
Deviations from intervention |
Some concerns |
"Quote: Double-blind. “The trial participants and personnel were unaware of the trial-group assignments until the initiation of unblinding (on the date of the EUA); however, personnel who prepared and administered injections were aware of these assignments.” Comment: Blinded study (participants and personnel/carers). Per-protocol analysis was performed on the efficacy outcomes. Reasons for exclusion: Serological or virological evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection at baseline; did not receive both planned injections, or received outside planned timing; major protocol deviations. As we are assessing the effect of assignment to intervention (intention-to-treat effect), we considered that the data were analyzed inappropriately. There was probably no substantial impact of failure to analyze participants according to their randomized assignment due to relative balance between groups. Risk assessed to be some concerns for the outcomes: Confirmed symptomatic COVID. " |
Missing outcome data |
Low |
"Comment: 4016 participants randomized; 3497 participants analyzed for efficacy; 3997-4002 participants analyzed for safety. Data available for all or nearly all participants randomized for safety. Data not available for all or nearly all participants randomized for efficacy. No evidence that the result is not biased. Reasons: Serological or virological evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection at baseline; did not receive both planned injections, or received outside planned timing; major protocol deviations. This potential source of bias has been taken into account in Domain 2. Risk assessed to be low for the outcomes: Confirmed symptomatic COVID. |
Measurement of the outcome |
Low |
Comment: Method of measuring the outcome probably appropriate. Measurement or ascertainment of outcome probably does not differ between groups. Blinded study (outcome assessor). Risk assessed to be low for the outcomes: Confirmed symptomatic COVID. |
Selection of the reported results |
Low |
Comment: The protocol, statistical analysis plan and prospective registry were available. Outcomes pre-specified. Results were not selected from multiple outcome measurements or analyses of the data. Trial analyzed as pre-specified. Risk assessed to be low for the outcomes: Confirmed symptomatic COVID. |
Overall risk of bias |
Some concerns |