Reflections on COVID-19: Living and Learning in a Pandemic

The global Covid-19 pandemic changed life as we know it. What lessons can help us prepare for the next pandemic?


The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on everyone, especially families with children. As more time passes since the start of the pandemic, life has largely returned to normal. But as we shift from living in a pandemic to preparing for the next, it's important to reflect on actions taken and lessons learned.

Pediatricians had a unique and historic role in caring for the nation’s children during this unprecedented time. They have valuable insights to offer from their experiences navigating rapidly changing protocols, guidelines, and health care systems. Their collective expertise can inform us on how to prepare for the next pandemic, particularly as new infections emerge and outbreaks continue to threaten the U.S.

This report is a repository of our pandemic learnings. Here, you will find an overview of events, as well as an archive of the guidance that was issued, the data that was gathered, and the best practices that were identified.

“People stepped up and stepped forward to help without knowing what they were offering. ... They showed up for children in the way that pediatricians always show up for children.” 

— Mark Del Monte, CEO of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Throughout the pandemic, the AAP has served as a trusted partner to physicians and parents across the country, publishing data and issuing and updating guidance in an effort to protect the nation’s children.  This is the unfolding story of how the AAP and its members stepped forward as advocates for children in a time of crisis, one that began in 2020 and continues even now.  

Early Pandemic: Confronting a Mysterious New Illness

As COVID-19 began spreading across the globe in early 2020, AAP sought to provide guidance and reassurance to physicians and families.

Children & Families: AAP’s Top Priority

AAP members were steadfast in their support of children and families throughout the pandemic, finding ways to support them and each other.

Supporting Pediatricians: Navigating COVID

Information sharing and public health advocacy were top priorities for the AAP during the pandemic, as members worked on behalf of children.

The Road to a Vaccine: Keeping Children Safe

The development and distribution of vaccines was key to ending the most serious aspects of the pandemic.

Enduring Lessons: Living with COVID

COVID-19 is now something we all live with. But it hasn’t affected everyone equally. The long-term legacy is still revealing itself.

Communicating About COVID-19

Facing a daily demand from both pediatricians and families for updated information on how to care for children during the pandemic, AAP revolutionized the way it communicated with pediatricians, parents and the public.