The first pediatric flu death of the season has been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The youth was infected with influenza A and died in mid-October. Last season, 204 children died of flu, breaking the record for a non-pandemic season.
Flu activity is low nationally, but there have been slight increases among children and adolescents. Washington, D.C., is experiencing high levels of flu.
The CDC has said it expects the 2024-’25 respiratory virus season to be similar to last season. The AAP and CDC recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. The vaccines can be given at the same time. In addition, eligible infants, high-risk toddlers, pregnant people and older people should get immunized against respiratory syncytial virus.
About 28% of children received a flu vaccine as of Oct. 26, about the same as this time last year, according to CDC data. About 31% of Hispanic children have been vaccinated compared to 27% of white children, 24% of Black children and 29% of children of other races. Coverage is higher for children in urban and suburban areas than rural areas.
The CDC will hold a webinar for pediatric health care providers on AAP and CDC recommendations for flu prevention and treatment in children at 2 p.m. EST on Nov. 14.
Resources
- AAP policy Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024-2025
- AAP technical report Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024-2025
- AAP clinical report Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake
- Information on flu from the CDC
- Information from the AAP on setting up a flu vaccine clinic
- Information on flu for parents from HealthyChildren.org
