Overview

• The CDC reports 216 pediatric flu deaths this season, the highest since the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, with the season still ongoing.
• Experts caution the current death count is likely an undercount and may increase after post-season data is compiled.
• This flu season is classified as highly severe, with an estimated 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths across all age groups.
• Childhood flu vaccination rates have dropped to 49%, down from 64% five years ago, contributing significantly to the severity of the season.
• Flu activity has been declining since February, but the season's impact remains severe, particularly for unvaccinated children.