Fewer children are receiving the flu vaccine this year, even as the flu season reaches alarming levels, described by experts as the worst in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 18 million Americans have been infected with the flu this season, resulting in 230,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths. Public health officials are raising concerns about the implications of this trend, particularly among children.
According to Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, “This is definitely a banner year. It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years.” She emphasized that the majority of the country is experiencing very high levels of flu activity, and the season is ongoing.
As of January 3, 2024, only 42.5 percent of children aged 6 months to 17 years have received the flu vaccine this season. This marks a decline from 44 percent at the same time last year, representing a drop of 1.5 percentage points. The decline in vaccination rates among children reflects a broader trend, with overall vaccination coverage among kindergartners decreasing for all reported vaccines during the 2024 to 2025 school year, according to CDC data.
The decrease in flu vaccinations may be influenced by recent policy changes. Under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism regarding vaccines, the CDC has lessened the number of vaccines recommended for children. The flu vaccine is now recommended only for “high-risk” children or after consultation with a healthcare provider.
Compounding the concerns surrounding the flu, medical professionals have noted that this year’s strain is particularly severe. Dr. Partha Nandi, in an article published by WXYZ Detroit, highlighted troubling symptoms that doctors are observing. “Doctors are seeing longer fevers lasting 3 to 5 days and coughs that make breathing difficult,” he reported. These symptoms increase the potential for hospitalizations, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and seniors.
The CDC advises parents to seek immediate medical attention if their children exhibit severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, severe muscle pain, dehydration, fever exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is unresponsive to treatment, or other serious signs of illness. As the flu season progresses, public health officials stress the importance of vaccination and prompt medical care to mitigate the impact of this challenging flu season.
