What to know
Update on pediatric flu deaths in the U.S and emphasis on getting the flu vaccine.
Pediatric Flu Deaths Reach 200 for the 2023-24 Flu Season
September 27, 2024 – CDC reported one new flu-related death in a child last week, bringing the total number of U.S. pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season to 200. This number of pediatric deaths exceeds the previous high reported for a regular (non-pandemic) flu season. The previous high of 199 deaths was reported during the 2019-2020 season. Consistent with other seasons, of children who were eligible for a flu vaccine and for whom vaccination status was known, about 80 percent were not fully vaccinated.
Getting your child a flu vaccine is the most effective step to reduce the risk of flu illness and flu-related doctor's visits and missed school days; flu vaccination also reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death. In the 2023-2024 season, estimates indicated that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu related medical visits by approximately two-thirds and halved the risk of flu-related hospitalization for vaccinated children. September and October are the best times for most children to receive flu vaccine. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially children at higher risk for serious flu complications.