United States: The most lethal flu season for children in more than ten years continues to claim lives despite officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracking 216 pediatric fatalities since the season began. Experts predict an even higher death toll based on their assessment of available data which indicates the actual numbers could be higher, as reported by HealthDay.
“This number is almost certainly an undercount,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics, noting that full reporting won’t be available until the season officially ends.
Falling Vaccination Rates Raise Alarm
Health authorities identify the drop in pediatric mortality primarily to the decreasing numbers of children who receive flu shots. Children this season received flu vaccines at a rate of 49% although it represents a substantial decrease from the 64% five years ago. Everyone who gets flu shots does not avoid getting sick but the vaccines significantly lower the chances of experiencing major medical complications that lead to hospitalization and death.
More U.S. children have died from the #flu this season than in any year since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to a new federal report. https://t.co/pcdRFsenJI
— HealthDay News (@HealthDayTweets) May 5, 2025
Flu’s Broader Toll on the U.S.
The flu has severely impacted all age groups this season. According to the CDC, 47 million Americans have been infected, resulting in 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths nationwide. Among those hospitalized, 95% had underlying conditions. Alarmingly, fewer than half of 2,000 children hospitalized had common chronic conditions like asthma or obesity.
Lack of Access and Misinformation Cited
Researchers identify several key obstacles that weaken pediatric vaccination rates: insufficient distribution of correct information and underresourced pediatric care centers and restricted medication outlets across the United States. Another factor increasing vaccine anxiety for families is limited access to vaccines.
Flu Activity Now Declining
Though flu activity has been tapering off since February, and all states recently reported low or minimal levels, the dual circulation of H1N1 and H3N2 strains earlier in the season posed serious health threats. Preliminary studies show that the flu vaccine was effective in preventing many hospitalizations this year, as reported by HealthDay.
The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older.