Severe Flu Season Overwhelms German Pediatric Hospitals, Sparks Calls for Expanded Child Vaccination

Unusually high influenza cases among children have filled hospitals, reigniting debate over broadening vaccination recommendations.

Germany is experiencing its worst flu season in over five years, with children, especially those under eight, being disproportionately affected by severe cases.
Major pediatric hospitals, such as Hannover's Kinderkrankenhaus Auf der Bult, report full capacity, forcing some patients to be transferred to other facilities.
The Ständige Impfkommission (Stiko) recommends flu vaccination for high-risk groups, but experts and pediatricians are urging expansion to include all children from six months old.
The flu vaccine is considered effective in reducing severe cases and protecting vulnerable populations through herd immunity, but uptake remains low even among recommended groups.
Experts warn that the reduced exposure to influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic may have weakened children's immunity, contributing to the current surge in cases.