Washington, D.C. — A chilling statistic emerged Friday: 52 children in the United States have died from the flu this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is already signaling a potentially devastating year for pediatric flu deaths, threatening to surpass last season’s record-breaking 289 fatalities.
This season’s flu is hitting children particularly hard, with vaccination rates lagging and a second wave potentially on the horizon.
- So far this flu season, 52 children have died, with 90% unvaccinated.
- Hospitalization rates among children are the highest they’ve been in 15 years.
- Flu activity is picking up again after a brief decline, and a second wave is possible.
- Vaccination rates are significantly lower than in recent years.
Q: Is the flu shot effective? A: While it doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, especially for children.
The CDC reported that a staggering 90 percent of the children who succumbed to the flu hadn’t received the annual flu shot. This grim statistic underscores the critical importance of vaccination, especially as the nation braces for a possible second wave of the virus.
More Sick Kids, Fewer Vaccinations
This flu season is already marked by a disturbing trend: the highest rate of childhood flu hospitalizations in 15 years. By the end of December, the weekly rate of children under 18 hospitalized with the flu reached levels not seen since the 2010-2011 season, the CDC said.
Recent data, analyzed through January 24, shows a rise in flu-related emergency department visits among children aged 5 to 17, while rates remained stable or decreased for other age groups. This shift suggests a heightened vulnerability within this specific age bracket.
The surge in pediatric cases coincides with a worrying drop in vaccination coverage. As of January 17, only 45.1 percent of children between 6 months and 17 years old had received the flu shot this season. This is a significant decrease compared to the 2019-2020 flu season, when 63.7 percent of children in that age group were vaccinated.
“We’re absolutely bracing ourselves,” said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of the nonprofit Families Fighting Flu. “We’re concerned that we’re not even at the peak of flu season yet.”
The CDC estimates that at least 20 million Americans have contracted the flu this season, leading to 270,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths. It’s common for flu seasons to experience two waves, particularly as different strains circulate.
Currently, the predominant strain is flu A (H3N2 subclade K), but a flu B strain is gaining traction. Historical surveillance data reveals consistent upticks in flu cases during January and February, following initial spikes in late December.
Earlier this month, changes to longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations were implemented, shifting guidance away from universal annual flu shots for children starting at 6 months. The new guidance suggests parents consult with their pediatricians to determine if a flu shot is appropriate for their child. This change has been met with criticism from major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which continues to recommend yearly flu vaccinations.
“How can you not see a correlation of more deaths and more hospitalizations with less vaccinations?” Slafkosky said. “I can’t stress it enough: It’s not too late to get a flu shot. It may not keep you from getting the flu, but it may prevent you from more serious complications, and keep you and your children out of the hospital.”
What are your thoughts on the current flu season? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below.
