But differences in treatment failure were small compared with kids who received antibiotics, and severe outcomes were rare regardless of antibiotic treatment.
The study authors say knowledge about antibiotic-related harms will help patients, providers, and antibiotic stewardship programs.
The CDC said the rise in M pneumoniae in children ages 2 to 4 is notable, because it isn't typically known as a leading cause of pneumonia in the age-group.
The study will investigate whether a strategy known as safety-net antibiotic prescription reduces antibiotic use without worsening clinical outcomes.
In more than half of Veterans Affairs patients hospitalized for pneumonia over 8 years, the diagnosis of pneumonia changed between initial presentation and hospital discharge.
Approved in 2018 for treating pneumonia and skin infections, the drug has shown activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
ACIP made its latest assessments during a packed 3-day schedule, during which it also updated it recommendation for RSV vaccines.
The authors of the pandemic readiness report point to surges of H5N1 in mammals and of mpox deaths in DR Congo children as some of the latest threats in the face of preparedness gaps.
Recent healthcare system advancements such as higher vaccination uptake and public health interventions likely contributed to the decline, the authors say.
Objective definitions of medical stability guide decisions on safe hospital release, the authors say.
