September 27, 2024 – The CDC reported one new influenza-related pediatric death last week, bringing the total number of U.S. pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season to 200. This number of child deaths exceeds the highest number ever reported for a normal (non-pandemic) influenza season. The highest number of deaths to date, 199, were reported during the 2019-2020 season. As in other seasons, approximately 80% of children eligible for the influenza vaccine and whose vaccination status was known were not fully vaccinated.
Getting your child a flu vaccine is the most effective step in reducing the risk of flu illness, flu-related doctor visits, and school absences. Influenza vaccination also reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from influenza. In the 2023-2024 season, estimates show that influenza vaccination will reduce the risk of influenza-related hospital visits by approximately two-thirds and reduce the risk of influenza-related hospitalizations by half in vaccinated children. I am. For most children, September and October are the best times to get the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, especially children who are at high risk for serious influenza complications, get the influenza vaccine every year.
