Influenza-Associated Pediatric Fatalities Increased Last Week

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report, a total of 91 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have occurred during the 2022-2023 flu season.

During week #3, six influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC.

All six pediatric deaths were associated with influenza A viruses.

Four of the influenza A viruses had subtyping performed; one was an A(H1N1) virus, and three were A(H3) viruses.

As of January 27, 2023, the CDC stated the cumulative hospitalization rate was 1.4 times higher than the highest cumulative in-season hospitalization rate observed for week #3 during previous seasons going back to 2010-2011.

However, this in-season rate is still lower than end-of-season hospitalization rates for all but four pre-COVID-19-pandemic seasons going back to 2010-2011.

Most influenza viruses tested are in the same genetic subclade as and antigenically similar to the influenza viruses included in this season’s influenza vaccine.

As of January 14, 2023, about 171 million influenza vaccines had been distributed in the U.S.

All flu shots this flu season are quadrivalent and remain available at clinics and pharmacies. According to the CDC, these vaccines are authorized for most people over six months.