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12h ago

Flu Season Ends with Record Pediatric Deaths in New York and Nationwide

The 2024–25 flu season saw 25 child deaths in New York and 216 across the U.S., the highest in over a decade, as vaccine hesitancy and misinformation contributed to declining immunization rates.

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(Shutterstock)

Overview

  • New York State reported 25 pediatric flu deaths this season, the highest number ever recorded in the state, with only one vaccinated child among the fatalities.
  • Nationally, 216 children died from influenza, marking the highest pediatric death toll in 15 years, according to the CDC.
  • Flu vaccination rates for U.S. children declined to 49% this season, down from 64% five years ago, with officials citing misinformation as a key driver of vaccine hesitancy.
  • New York experienced 20 consecutive weeks of widespread flu activity, with over 4,300 lab-confirmed cases reported in the week ending April 26.
  • Public health officials are urging increased vaccination efforts and education to prevent severe outcomes in future flu seasons, emphasizing the importance of immunization for those eligible.