The United States is experiencing its deadliest flu season for children since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, with 216 pediatric deaths reported so far, according to a CDC update released Friday. This figure surpasses last year’s toll of 207 and is especially concerning as the season is still ongoing.
Experts point to declining vaccination rates among children as a major factor. “Fewer kids are getting flu shots,” said Dr. O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease specialist from the University of Colorado. Vaccination rates have dropped from 64% five years ago to just 49% this season.
While flu shots may not always prevent infection, studies confirm they significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.
The impact isn’t limited to children. The CDC estimates this season has already led to 47 million flu cases, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths overall. Among 5,200 hospitalized adults, 95% had pre-existing health conditions. In contrast, only about half of the 2,000 hospitalized children had underlying issues like asthma or obesity.
The CDC has not released data on how many of the children who died were vaccinated. However, there’s hope — flu activity has been steadily declining since February, with all 50 states now reporting low or minimal activity. Despite the mixed flu strains (H1N1 and H3N2), early data suggests this year’s flu vaccine has been fairly effective at reducing severe outcomes.
The CDC continues to advise annual flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.
