Pediatric flu deaths rise to 52, with unvaccinated kids hit the hardest

The United States is currently experiencing a significant surge in flu activity, with particularly concerning trends impacting children. As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 52 pediatric deaths attributed to the flu this season. This number raises the possibility that the nation could surpass the record-breaking 289 pediatric deaths recorded during the 2024-2025 flu season.

Rising Cases and Hospitalizations

Overall, at least 20 million flu cases, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths have been estimated by the CDC this season. Flu activity increased last week after a period of decline, and experts anticipate the possibility of a second wave as different strains circulate. Currently, the predominant strain is flu A (H3N2 subclade K), though a flu B strain is also gaining traction.

Did You Know? Ninety percent of the children who have died from the flu this season had not received the annual flu vaccine.

Hospitalization rates among children are particularly alarming. By the end of December, the weekly rate of children under 18 hospitalized with the flu reached its highest level since the 2010-2011 season. For the week ending January 24th, emergency department visits related to the flu increased among children aged 5 to 17, while remaining stable or decreasing for other age groups.

Vaccination Rates and Policy Shifts

This increase in severe illness among children coincides with a decline in vaccination rates. As of January 17th, only 45.1% of children between 6 months and 17 years old had received the flu shot this season, a significant drop from the 63.7% vaccinated during the 2019-2020 flu season.

Expert Insight: The observed correlation between decreased vaccination rates and increased pediatric flu deaths and hospitalizations underscores the critical role of vaccination in mitigating the severity of the flu season, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.

Recent changes to longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations may also be a factor. The Trump administration recently shifted guidance, moving away from recommending annual flu shots for all children starting at 6 months and instead suggesting parents consult with pediatricians. This change has been met with criticism from major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which continues to recommend yearly flu shots.

What Could Happen Next

Given the current trends, it is possible that the number of pediatric deaths could continue to rise. If the flu B strain becomes more dominant, it could lead to a second wave of infections. Continued low vaccination rates could exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to further increases in hospitalizations and severe illness. However, it is also possible that flu activity could begin to decline as the season progresses, as has been observed in past years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of children have been hospitalized with the flu this season?

This season has seen the highest rate of children hospitalized with the flu in 15 years. By the end of December, the weekly rate of kids under age 18 hospitalized for flu had reached the highest level observed since the 2010-2011 season.

How does this season’s vaccination rate compare to previous years?

As of January 17th, fewer than half of children 6 months to 17 years old – 45.1% – had received the flu shot this season. During the 2019-2020 flu season, 63.7% were vaccinated.

What is being done to address the changes in vaccine recommendations?

Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have decried the changes made to longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations and continue to recommend the yearly flu shots.

As flu season continues, what steps will you take to protect yourself and your family?