The United States is now seeing one of the worst child flu deaths in history, with nearly 200 fatalities for the 2023 to 2024 season.
In a press release published this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported two new pediatric flu deaths. That brings the total for the 2023 to 2024 season to 199. The number of deaths reported so far this year now matches the previous high reported during the 2019 to 2020 season.
The highest child flu death toll recorded in the US was 288 in the 2009 to 2010 season. Of the 199 children that have died of flu so far, 73 were younger than five years old, and 126 were aged five to 17.
Why Child Flu Deaths Are on the Rise
The CDC attributed the recent spike in pediatric flu deaths to the decline in vaccination rates. As of May 11, only 53.9% of children between six months and 17 years old were vaccinated against the flu. In comparison, the vaccination rate was 56% last season and 62.4% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Officials said misinformation and hesitancy around vaccines during the pandemic took hold. Additionally, the lockdowns and subsequent social restrictions during the pandemic disrupted visits to doctors.
Of the 199 children who died, 158 were eligible for a flu shot. Out of those, only 27 children, or 17%, were vaccinated against the flu. At least 93 of those who died had at least one pre-existing medical condition that put them at high risk of developing flu complications.
How Effective Are Flu Vaccines
In children ages six months to 17 years old, the flu vaccine was estimated to be 59% to 67% effective in outpatient settings and 52% to 61% effective against flu-related hospitalizations, per the CDC.
Apart from reducing a child's risk of getting sick with the flu, the vaccine reduces flu-related emergency department visits. It also lessens the risk of developing severe life-threatening complications, especially in children with weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions like asthma.
Health officials recommended flu vaccine shots for children aged six months and older.
