Overview

• The CDC reports that as of November 30, only 37% of children in the U.S. have been vaccinated against the flu, down from 43% at the same time last year.
• Pediatric flu vaccination rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with just 55% of children vaccinated during the 2023-24 season—the lowest rate in 12 years.
• Last flu season saw a record 205 reported pediatric deaths, with CDC estimates suggesting the true number could be as high as 724 due to underreporting.
• This year's flu shot targets three strains, including H1N1 and H3N2, but preliminary data shows reduced effectiveness for preventing hospitalizations in children under 5, at 39%.
• Health experts emphasize that vaccination remains critical, as over 80% of flu-related child deaths last year occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.