Vaccinating Children Against Ebola: Is Protection Both Effective and Safe?

By Ana Espino | Published on June 16, 2026 | 4 min read

Ebola virus disease remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases known, with mortality rates reaching up to 90% during certain outbreaks. Children are among the most vulnerable populations: mortality can exceed 80% in children under five years of age, while their management remains particularly challenging in emergency settings.

Since the major West African Ebola outbreak of 2013–2016, the development of Ebola vaccines has accelerated considerably. Several vaccines are now available or in use, but data regarding their effectiveness and safety in children have remained fragmented. To better inform vaccination strategies, Italian researchers conducted the first meta-analysis specifically focused on the immunogenicity and safety of Ebola vaccines in pediatric populations.