The number of kids dying from influenza in the 2023-2024 season has set a new record for a regular flu season, after one new death was reported last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There were 200 pediatric flu-related deaths in the 2023-2024 season, compared to the previous high of 199 during the 2019-2022 season.
About 80% of the kids that died from flu this season were not fully vaccinated against influenza, CDC data shows. Nearly half of the children had at least one pre-existing medical condition.
The earliest recommended age by the CDC for a flu vaccine is six months. If it is baby’s first flu vaccine, or a five year old getting the flu vaccine for the very first time in their life, the two vaccine recommendation applies. If they had one ever before in their entire life, the five year old getting one this year means they are fully vaccinated.
The number that were under 8 and had not yet had their second vaccine is such a weird subgroup to focus on.