Flu Season Sees Highest Child Death Toll in 15 Years, CDC Reports 216 Fatalities
U.S. Sees Deadliest Flu Season for Children Since 2009, CDC Reports
More children in the U.S. have died from the flu this season than in any year since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to a CDC report released Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 216 pediatric deaths so far this season—surpassing last year’s total of 207 and marking the highest count in 15 years. With the flu season still active, experts warn the final toll is likely to rise.
“This number is almost certainly an undercount,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It’s almost certain to go up once all data is compiled.”
Experts point to a drop in vaccination rates as a key factor. Only 49% of children received flu shots this season, down from 64% five years ago. O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Colorado, emphasized that while flu shots may not completely prevent illness, they are highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
The overall flu burden this season has been severe, with an estimated 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths across all age groups. Though 95% of adults hospitalized had underlying conditions, only 53% of hospitalized children did—conditions such as asthma and obesity were the most common.
The CDC has not disclosed how many of the deceased children were vaccinated and did not provide an expert for further comment.
Encouragingly, flu activity has declined since February, and all 50 states are currently reporting low or minimal levels. This season saw a wider mix of flu strains, including both H1N1 and H3N2, but CDC data suggests the current vaccine provided strong protection against severe outcomes.
The CDC continues to recommend annual flu shots for everyone aged six months and older.
O’Leary noted broader trends affecting vaccination uptake, including misinformation, COVID-related political divides, and logistical issues like reduced after-hours clinics and pharmacy restrictions on vaccinating children.
“My hope is that this season will be a bit of a wake-up call,” he said. “We actually do need to vaccinate our kids against influenza.”