Fewer children in the United States have gotten their flu shots so far this year compared to the number of kids who received their vaccines last year. This decline comes despite last year's record number of flu-related deaths.
As of November 30, only 36.6% of children aged six months to 17 years got their flu vaccinations. In comparison, 43.7% of kids in the same age group got their flu shots last year. Before the pandemic, officials reported a flu vaccination rate of 62.4% among children
The vaccine coverage could still increase as 10% of parents said they intend to get their children vaccinated against flu. Additionally, 14% of parents said they would "probably" get their child the shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Where Did Flu Vaccinations Drop the Most?
Nationally, flu vaccination dropped by 7.1%. However, this figure can increase depending on the location.
Idaho saw the largest drop in pediatric flu vaccinations this year, with an 18.8% decline in the number of children who got their shots. Only 15% of children in the state have received their flu vaccine this season.
Other states with the largest drops in vaccination rates include Vermont (-16.8%), Wyoming (-16.7%), Montana (-16.0%), Washington (-15.9%), and Tennessee (-15.2%).
In contrast, Iowa saw a 6.5% increase in childhood flu vaccine coverage this year. At least 51% of children in the state have been vaccinated against flu so far.
Record Flu Deaths
The drop in flu vaccination comes after 205 children died from flu-related issues last year. That was the most number of flu deaths recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic.
CDC officials noted that flu deaths, especially those involving pediatric patients, are likely under-reported and said there may have been 521 additional deaths caused by influenza last year. If so, this would bring the total number of children who died of flu in 2023 to 724.
The decline is causing concern among health experts, especially as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to be named as the health secretary under Donald Trump's second presidential regime. RFK is known for his vaccine skepticism and for making public statements that undermined scientific advice.
