Flu season is upon us once again, and the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a concerning picture for children. Nearly 200 children died from the flu during the recent 2023-2024 season, marking one of the worst annual death tolls from influenza among kids. This alarming rise coincided with significant drops in vaccination rates, raising red flags for health officials across the nation.
The CDC revealed data indicating out of the 158 children eligible for the flu vaccine, approximately 83% were not fully vaccinated. Dr. Mark Hicar, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo, emphasizes the importance of vaccinations, stating, "Vaccinations probably could have saved half of these children." With such statistics, the focus is shifting to urging parents to take preventative actions.
This year’s total for flu deaths among children matches the 199 deaths reported during the 2019-2020 season, which, as history shows, was one of the most devastating years for child flu mortality. The devastating record of 288 deaths was set during the height of the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic. What adds to the concern is the CDC's report noting the flu vaccine uptake among children was 2.2 percentage points lower compared to the previous year and 8.5 percentage points less than pre-pandemic levels. A mere 53.9% of kids received the flu vaccine last year, which highlights the urgency for health officials.
Health professionals stress the importance of getting vaccinated as flu season approaches. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, points out the impact of vaccinations, emphatically noting, "The vast majority of those children who were hospitalized and died from influenza last season never had the influenza vaccine." This statistic starkly reinforces the necessity of vaccinations, especially for children who may otherwise appear healthy.
The CDC recommends all individuals aged 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. Children can choose between receiving the standard shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine, also known as FluMist, which is approved for healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged 2 to 49. Dr. Schaffner acknowledges the flu vaccine’s effectiveness varies each year but asserts its importance: “Even if it doesn’t prevent someone from getting sick, it is highly effective at preventing severe disease.” He reflects on last season's flu vaccine, which had effectiveness rates of 42%, improving from 30% the previous season.
Dr. Hicar also notes, “About half who died and were hospitalized were normal, healthy children.” This statement serves as a wake-up call for parents who may doubt the effectiveness of flu shots due to anecdotal experiences. His co-expert, Dr. Ian Michelow, reinforces this viewpoint, stating, “Parents will say 50% to 60% isn’t very effective, but it really is... It prevents severe disease and complications like ear infections.”
The observed rise forever prompts the question of vaccine accessibility. Many children under the age of 3 may have to get their annual flu shots at their doctor’s office or local health department due to state regulations. Some pharmacies, albeit limited, do offer vaccines to children as young as six months, prompting parents to check availability beforehand.
For parents unsure of their child’s vaccine status or the right approach to take, Dr. Posner reassures parents on the process of flu vaccinations for younger children. She notes, “If your child is under 9 and receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, they need two shots, separated by one month.” If children have previously received flu shots, one dose would suffice after age 9.
Despite the unpleasant experience of vaccination, doctors remind parents of its necessity, saying, “It can be inconvenient, and children don’t like getting shots, but the vaccine has been shown to be very effective.” The upcoming flu season is pressing parents and caregivers alike; the urgency to vaccinate children against the flu has never been clearer, emphasizing safety and health as priorities.
With the 2024-2025 flu season imminent, families should prepare for flu season, bearing the new statistics and expert opinions at the front of their minds.
