Flu deaths in children reach record high as vaccination rates fall, CDC reports

The 2023-2024 flu season has seen a record 200 pediatric deaths, surpassing the previous high of 199 in the 2019-2022 season. Most of the deceased children were not fully vaccinated, with many having pre-existing health conditions. Vaccination rates among children have declined, with only 53.9% vaccinated this season, down from last year and significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination to prevent severe illness in children. Flu activity typically increases in fall and winter, peaking from December to February. The CDC reports that flu can lead to millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths annually, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.