AAP Statement on CDC Recommendation Against COVID-19 Testing for Asymptomatic Individuals

By: Sally Goza, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

“In the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, we must be led by the science, in a fully transparent process that engages the public’s trust and confidence.  The inexplicable decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advise against testing individuals who have been exposed to the virus but who are asymptomatic is a dangerous step backward in our efforts to control this deadly virus.

“We know that children often show few or no symptoms of COVID-19. We also know they are not immune to this virus, and they can become very sick. Testing exposed individuals who may not yet show symptoms of COVID-19 is crucial to contact tracing, which helps identify and support other people who are at risk of infection. Without data and transparency, science and medical professionals are hampered – and families are harmed – as we lack information that helps us understand how easily this virus can be transmitted to others and how to stop it.

“COVID-19 does not recognize political or geographic boundaries. In the absence of robust testing, it can spread invisibly in communities, leading to new spikes in cases that can overwhelm local communities’ ability to care for infected patients. To control this virus, so that we can safely re-open schools and resume activities that allow children to be healthy and happy, we need the ability to conduct widespread testing and collect more information – not less.

 “We urge our federal agencies to work with us to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 while scientists work on developing a vaccine. The AAP calls on the CDC to reverse its decision and resume testing of asymptomatic individuals. Our children are depending on us.”

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds