Decline in Childhood Flu Vaccination Rates Raises Concerns
Childhood flu vaccination is down so far this season in every state but Iowa, per new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
Why it Matters
flu shots can help prevent kids from getting sick, but they appear to be getting swept up in a broader wave of vaccine skepticism that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The CDC reported 200 pediatric flu-related deaths in the 2023-24 season — a record high for a non-pandemic flu year.
Driving the News
Nationally, childhood flu vaccine coverage is down 7.1 percentage points as of November 30 compared to the same time last year.
- 36.6% of kids nationwide have their flu shots for the 2024-25 season so far, compared to 43.7% at this point last season.
- 53.8% of kids got their flu shot by the end of the 2023-24 season, the CDC says. ThatS down from 62.4% in 2019-20.
State-Specific Data
Childhood flu vaccine coverage is up 6.5 percentage points in Iowa, where 51% of kids are vaccinated so far.
- The biggest drop is in Idaho (-18.8 percentage points), where only 15% of kids have their flu shots yet this season.
Between the Lines
These numbers are in line with a national rise in vaccine exemptions among kindergartners, suggesting increasing vaccine skepticism among parents pretty much nationwide.
What’s Next
Public health experts worry President-elect Trump’s pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy jr., could further erode confidence in many vaccines that have proved safe and effective.
Expert Commentary
to better understand this alarming trend, we reached out to a panel of experts:
- Dr. Sarah Thompson, Pediatrician: “The decline in vaccination rates is concerning. Vaccines are our best defense against the flu and other viruses.”
- Dr.Mark Ramos, Public Health Expert: “Vaccine skepticism is not new, but the impact of misinformation during the pandemic has made it worse.”
- Dr. Ellen Cooper, Infectious Disease Specialist: “It’s critical that we address parental fears with accurate information and accessible resources.”
Moderator: “What strategies do you think would effectively increase flu vaccination rates among children this season?”
Dr. Thompson: “Community outreach programs can bridge the gap in understanding and trust.”
Dr. Ramos: “Engaging with parents through schools can be invaluable.”
Dr. Cooper: “We need to leverage social media but with factual, evidence-based communication.”
Join the Discussion
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on these concerning trends regarding childhood flu vaccination rates. what do you think contributes to the decline? How can we improve vaccination coverage? Let us know in the comments!