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The landscape of acute childhood infections changed dramatically across Europe in the immediate post-COVID-19 period. It was initially characterised by an unprecedented reduction of children with acute infections and reduced circulation of infectious pathogens in the community. With the lifting of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) and return of circulating organisms, we witnessed re-emergence of infectious pathogens. We learned about the impact of NPIs on childhood infections and should learn from this for future outbreaks, balancing immediate need for interrupting population transmission with longer term rebound effects. Outbreaks of monkeypox, severe childhood hepatitis of unclear aetiology, and invasive Group A Streptococcus each presented with unique clinical dilemmas requiring urgent scientific evidence and public health messaging. Implementation of maternal and infant RSV vaccines, as well as other promising vaccine developments, will further impact the landscape of acute childhood infections.