More children in the United States have died from the flu this season than in any other since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to a new federal report released Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 216 pediatric deaths so far — surpassing the 207 reported during the previous season. This marks the highest number of child flu deaths in 15 years, and the count may still rise, as flu season has not officially ended and final numbers are typically reported months later.
“This current figure is almost certainly an undercount,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Once all the data is finalized, that number will likely increase.”
One key factor contributing to the severity of the season is the decline in childhood flu vaccinations. According to Dr. O’Leary, who is also a pediatric infectious disease expert at the University of Colorado, vaccination rates among U.S. children have dropped from approximately 64% five years ago to just 49% this flu season.
While flu shots don’t always prevent infection, they are highly effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death, he noted.
This flu season has proven to be severe not just for children but for the general population. CDC estimates indicate at least 47 million flu infections nationwide, resulting in 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths so far.
Among adults hospitalized with the flu, 95% had underlying health conditions. In contrast, only about 53% of the 2,000 children hospitalized for the flu had pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or obesity.
The CDC report did not clarify how many of the children who died had been vaccinated. Officials also declined to provide a spokesperson to discuss the findings.
Despite the severity, flu activity has been declining since February, with all 50 states now reporting low or minimal flu levels.
This season has also seen a greater variety of flu strains circulating, especially two major Type A strains — H1N1 and H3N2. Early CDC data suggests that this year’s flu vaccine has been relatively effective in reducing severe outcomes like hospitalizations and deaths.
Health experts continue to urge annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older.
The drop in childhood vaccination rates reflects a broader trend, influenced by misinformation and political division around vaccines, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as the nation’s health secretary, have echoed some of the language used by anti-vaccine advocates.
But logistical issues may also be contributing to the decline. Staffing shortages have limited the ability of pediatric clinics to offer after-hours vaccine appointments, and many pharmacies — where more people are now getting vaccinated — do not serve young children.
“I hope this season serves as a wake-up call,” said O’Leary. “We need to get serious about vaccinating kids against the flu.”
