Abstract INTRODUCTION:

Health planning is required for the control and prevention of severe cases of COVID-19 in children.

METHODS:

Spatial analysis of severe COVID-19 cases in children of Pernambuco in the first six months of the pandemic and its autocorrelation with the Human Development Index was conducted.

RESULTS:

A total of 551 severe cases (39.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants) was initially concentrated in the metropolitan area, with later interiorization. The spatial autocorrelation of cases was identified. The bivariate analysis revealed alert regions in less developed municipalities (I=0.341; p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering the local particularities can assist in directing the priorities for decision making.