The 2025 flu season has been particularly severe for children in the United States, with more pediatric deaths reported than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago. According to a federal report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 216 pediatric deaths so far, surpassing the 207 reported last year and marking the highest number since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.
What is alarming is that the flu season is still ongoing, and the final tally of pediatric deaths for this season is expected to increase once all the data is compiled. Sean O’Leary, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the University of Colorado and a representative of the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasized that the current number is likely an undercount. He also highlighted the fact that one of the main contributors to this season’s severity is the decline in flu vaccinations among children.
The flu vaccination rate for U.S. children has dropped significantly from about 64% five years ago to 49% this season. While flu shots may not completely prevent individuals from contracting the virus, they have been proven to be highly effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths. O’Leary stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes and stated that the decrease in vaccination rates is playing a role in the increased number of pediatric deaths this season.
The impact of the flu season has not been limited to children, as CDC officials have categorized it as “highly severe.” They estimate that there have been at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths overall this season. However, there is some positive news as flu indicators have been on the decline since February.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize flu vaccinations for children to protect them from severe outcomes and prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC and medical experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination as a key strategy in mitigating the impact of the flu season. As the season progresses, it is essential for everyone to take necessary precautions and prioritize their health and well-being.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
