For many public health experts, the upcoming school year is a looming reminder that children remain one of the most vulnerable populations for catching and spreading new cases of COVID-19. “It’s going to depend so much on the local context of the school system,” said Dr. Taison Bell, a UVA infectious disease specialist. Children under 12 aren’t yet eligible for a shot, and likely won’t be until later this fall. But growing research shows that vaccinations among adults can be key to protecting younger age groups.